Colin Farrell-Voiced Documentary on Irish History Wins Award at Newport Beach Film Festival

The television project titled "From That Small Island: The Story of the Irish," featuring narration by actor Colin Farrell, has secured a significant honor. It was awarded the "Outstanding International Documentary" prize at the Newport Beach International Film Festival. This accolade, presented at a major Southern California film event, underscores the international recognition garnered by the film's in-depth historical exploration.

This comprehensive project, which also includes a companion book, aims to challenge conventional, often Anglo-centric, interpretations of Irish history. Instead, it champions a broader, more global perspective on the nation's past. The four-part documentary series meticulously traces the trajectory of the Irish people. This journey begins with the earliest settlers on the island and extends through to the vast global diaspora, which today numbers over 80 million individuals worldwide.

The creative leadership behind this ambitious undertaking includes Bríona Nic Diarmuid, who served as the creator, screenwriter, and producer. Directing duties were shared between Rachel Moriarty and Peter Murphy. The production involved the expertise of eight scholars from Trinity College Dublin. Their specialized knowledge spanned areas such as history and genetics, notably including Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, who also acted as a historical consultant and co-producer for the series.

Filmed across 17 different countries—ranging geographically from Barbados to Belgium, and from Singapore to the United States—the series seeks to address fundamental questions concerning national identity and the concept of belonging. The full-length version of the film premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival, which announced its 2025 award recipients.

Following its initial broadcast on RTÉ in June, the film embarked on a series of special screenings across the United States. These events took place in major cities like Chicago, New York, and Boston, often in collaboration with the Consulate General of Ireland. Furthermore, the documentary was screened internationally in locations such as Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Dubai, and Doha, showcasing its broad appeal.

The production, handled by Coco Content, has already achieved official selection status at the Galway International Film Festival. It is also an official selection for the Hague International Film Festival and is slated for a nomination at the ARFF// Berlin International Film Festival later in November. The original musical score was composed by the acclaimed Irish composer, Colm Mac Con Iomaire.

This four-part documentary cycle, with each episode running for 50 minutes, delves into the meaning of Irishness. This exploration is particularly relevant given that while approximately 6 million people reside on the island itself, over 80 million globally identify with Irish heritage. The series covers significant historical milestones, such as the reconstruction of the face of the 4,000-year-old ancestor known as the 'Rathlin Man,' achieved through cutting-edge DNA analysis. It also confronts the complex history of colonization. The widespread international distribution, including broadcast on Australia's SBS and coverage reaching 95% of leading PBS stations in the US, clearly demonstrates the creators' commitment to presenting the multifaceted story of the Irish people.