at Hammersmith Irish Cultural Centre, London
£12.00
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Film Screening & Q&A with Director Paddy Hayes
ICC is delighted to present a special screening of the award-winning Irish-language feature documentary Focla ar Chanbhás (Words on Canvas). The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Director Paddy Hayes and Musician David Keenan.
Winner of the Best Cinematography Award at Docs Ireland Festival Belfast, Focla ar Chanbhás has been praised for its lyrical, intimate portrayal and poetic exploration of one of Ireland’s most original and poetic musical voices, David Keenan (Dáithí Ó’Cianáin).
irish Dundalk folk musician and singer-songwriter David keenan presents his film DAVID KEENAN “FOCLA AR CHANBHÁS” “WORDS ON CANVAS” at the irish cultural centre hammersmith londonFour years after the breakthrough success of his debut album Beginner’s Guide to Bravery, Dundalk-born songwriter, musician, and composer David Keenan finds himself at a crossroads. Known for his evocative lyricism and compelling live performances, Keenan invites us into his world of words as he returns to the studio to create new music; “Anger is easy to portray, it’s the hurt that’s hard”.
Over the course of 500 days, the film offers an unfiltered look at Keenan’s creative process, the challenges of navigating an ever-changing music industry, and the struggle to retain authenticity in an era dominated by “algorithm and blues”.
This film is not just a documentary about one artist—it is a meditation on artistry itself
David Keenan
An absolute obsession with Words and Melody took hold of David at a very early age. Exposed to the writings of Behan, Yeats and Wilde with the soundtrack of Dylan, Buckley and The Dubliners illuminating his formative years. Inspired by the storytelling and character creations of his Grandfather he took the boat over the water and gathered tales and tunes of his own, learning his craft and expressing his love of language. Having been asked to play alongside the likes of Mick Flannery, Hothouse Flowers, Damien Dempsey and Glen Hansard David is fast becoming one of Ireland's most talked about young artists.
See David Keenan tour dates
Hammersmith Irish Cultural Centre
5 Blacks Road
Hammersmith
London
W6 9DT
- Website:
- irishcentrehammersmith.co.uk
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on Fri 20 February 2026