IRFF25 In Time: Dónal Lunny

Dónal Lunny is one of Ireland’s most outstanding artists, and this is the first film account of his life – a portrait that reveals his peerless contribution to Irish culture and music. Bono has called him “Ireland’s answer to Quincy Jones”. His influence is evident across an extraordinary range of production credits and collaborations, including work with Elvis Costello, U2, Van Morrison, Sinéad O’Connor, Paul Brady, Baaba Maal, Kate Bush and many more. A founding member of Planxty, The Bothy Band and Moving Hearts, Lunny played a central role in reviving and transforming Irish traditional and folk music for new generations. In this film, music fuses with the personal arc of Dónal Lunny’s biographical journey, bringing the artist into being on screen. It explores how pivotal moments in his creative and personal life intersected with major cultural, political and historical shifts in Ireland and across the world. The film also features rare and powerful performances – including a moving reunion with Christy Moore.