Celtic Utopia / Útóipe Cheilteach

Written and directed by Dennis Harvey & Lars Lovén, Celtic Utopia is a feature documentary that tells the story of a new Ireland, following a resurgent wave of alternative folk and traditional musicians who are making music 'to scare priests and politicians.'

As they produce their strange new sounds, they are redefining and problematising the form and reshaping the culture in their own image. The bold, outspoken and humorous young musicians pass the narrative to each other as the film progresses, just as they would pass the melody to each other in a traditional music session.

The film features performances and appearances from artists such as The Mary Wallopers, Negro Impacto, The Deadlians, Jinx Lennon, Poor Creature, Branwen, Lankum, Naoise Mac Cathmhaoil, Rising Damp, Young Spencer, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Róis, Post Punk Podge, Susan Hughes, Tadhg Mulligan, Alfie Mulligan, Múlú, Niamh Moriarty, Cathail O’Mhaoil, Summer Newman, Eimear Níc Ionnrachtaigh, and Eoghan Ó Garmaile.

Awards + Prizes

The documentary was Grand Prix winner at Critics' Week at Locarno Film Festival 2025 in Switzerland.

Funding Support

The project was supported in development by Creative Europe MEDIA's European Co-development funding awarded to Swedish company, MDEMC and Irish company, Plainsong Films, with Irish producer Clare Stronge leading the co-development.

Celtic Utopia | Credits

• Writers & directors: Dennis Harvey & Lars Lovén
• Producer: Elin Lilleman Eriksson, MDEMC
• Co-developed by Clare Stronge, Plainsong Films Ltd
• Photographers: Tuva Björk & Jamie Goldrick
• Sound design: Thomas Jansson
• Colorist: Nanna Dalunde
• Graphics: August Håkansson
• FAD: Lilí Ní Dhomhnaill

With support from The Swedish Film Institute, Creative Europe, SVT, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, The Swedish Arts Grants Committee and The Helge Ax:son Foundation.