British & Irish Film Festival Spring Edition Opens with European Premier of Irish Language Film

On Friday 21 March 2025, the British and Irish Film Festival Luxembourg (BIFFL) formally opened its 2025 Spring Edition at Ciné Utopia in Luxembourg-Limpertsberg with the European premier of Irish-language film Fidil Ghorm (The Blue Fiddle).

The event was officially opened by Festival Organiser and President of Festival Events Asbl, Geoff Thompson, and welcomed the director of Fidil Ghorm, Anne McCabe, Ireland's Ambassador to Luxembourg, Jean McDonald, and the Irish Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission to Luxembourg, Caoimhe McCarthy.

In his opening speech, Geoff Thompson welcomed the guests and attendees to the viewing and reflected on the Young Filmmakers Competition which had taken place on Wednesday 19 March, with the film La Dernière Gorgée, by Nina Zimmer and Salomé-Ange Wilk, taking home the winning prize. He also reflected on the recent collaboration with the Luxembourg City Film Festival in hosting a screening of Poison, a Luxembourg-England co-production, filmed mainly in Vianden.

Deputy Head of Mission to Luxembourg, Caoimhe McCarthy, was then invited to speak on behalf of the Irish Embassy. In her speech, she reinforced the embassy’s support for the film festival, stating: “To speak on behalf of the embassy, I’m delighted to do so, for two reasons. To renew our show of support for the fantastic film festival that goes on here ever year but also to round up our St Patrick Day celebrations,” adding: “I think it is really fitting that we are closing off celebrations with this screening because of the really strong relationship that our two countries, Ireland and Luxembourg, have in this industry.”

Geoff Thompson then returned to the stage to thank both the British and Irish embassies for their support and to extend thanks to all with those involved in supporting and the hosting festival. He then welcomed the director of Fidil Ghorm, Anne McCabe, to introduce the film. Ms McCabe reflected on her first experience of visiting the Grand Duchy, stating: “This is my first time in Luxembourg and I feel at home already. I’ve been made very welcome. I’m delighted that this happens to be the European premier and I’m really excited about seeing it here with you all tonight.” In describing the film, Ms McCabe said: “It’s a film about magic and hope and a young girl’s wish to make her dream come true by playing the fiddle to wake her daddy up from a coma. I hope you enjoy the hope and the magic.“ 

Geoff Thompson then returned to thank Ms McCabe before officially declaring the festival opening.

After the screening, there was a question and answer session, where Ms McCabe was invited to answer questions from the audience. In her responses, she went into detail about the locations used for the filming, the challenges with the weather, the subtle references to Irish folklore contained in the film and the cast and crew’s positive reactions and response to lead actress Edith Lawlor who, despite being the current under-twelve all-Ireland fiddle champion, had never acted before. Ms McCabe also reflected on the challenge of creating an Irish language film and the influence of President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, who has helped to promote the use of the Irish language in broadcast television.

After the question and answer session, attendees enjoyed drinks and refreshments at reception held in conjunction with the Irish Embassy.

The British and Irish Film Festival Luxembourg Spring Edition 2025 runs until Saturday 29 March 2025. Detailed information on the programme can be found at: https://festivalevents.lu/filmfestival/current-screenings

SM