Baile: New Irish Language Road Trip Film Begins Production in Donegal

Cast and Characters of Baile

Marion O’Dwyer, known for her role in The Quiet Girl, stars as Bríghid. Hazel Doupe, who appeared in Say Nothing, plays Naomi. The story examines friendship, independence, and the meaning of home as the two characters travel across Northern Ireland and Donegal.

“We’re incredibly proud to be bringing Baile into production,” said Aideen Hand, producer for Village Films. “It’s a moving and deeply human story about memory, friendship and the unexpected connections that can transform our lives, told predominantly through the Irish language.”

Production Background and Funding

Village Films, based in Belfast, is producing the project with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund. Baile is co-commissioned for TG4 and BBC Gaeilge. Máire Ní Chonláin serves as commissioning editor for TG4, while Eddie Doyle acts as senior head of content commissioning for BBC Northern Ireland.

The film marks the third project commissioned through Gealán, a feature film initiative established by TG4, BBC Northern Ireland, and Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund. The initiative previously backed Doineann, produced by DoubleBand Films, and Aontas, produced by Púca Pictures.

Creative Team Behind the Feature

Cristina Carty wrote the screenplay for the film.

“We have assembled a wonderful cast led by Hazel Doupe and Marion O’Dwyer to bring screenwriter Christina Carty’s characters to life,” Hand said, “and we’re grateful to BBC Northern Ireland, TG4 and Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund for supporting an ambitious film that feels both distinctly local and genuinely universal.”