Overview

Born in an Irish-speaking district in Galway at the tail end of World War I, Joe Heaney learned the traditional singing style (sean-nós) of his hometown. Later learning English and overcoming shyness, he became an incredibly popular star both in Ireland and abroad. Pat Collins (director of Silence) dramatizes Heaney’s life, taking snapshots from various moments in his fascinating life and timeless music, and cuts it with documentary footage to create an important film for Irish music, culture, and language.