This year Docs Ireland pays tribute to author, traveller, broadcaster and documentary maker Manchán Magan by posthumously awarding him the Docs Ireland 2026 Outstanding Contribution to Irish Documentary. Following a cancer diagnosis, in October last year, Manchán Magan, sadly passed away at the age of 55. This year Docs Ireland recognises the immense contribution Manchán made to Irish culture.
Docs Ireland is supported by Northern Ireland Screen through the Department for Communities, Belfast City Council, Shared Island Civic Society Fund through the Dept of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Screen Ireland BFI/Film Hub NI, and is proudly sponsored by TG4, BBCNI and Yellowmoon.
Docs Ireland will screen his last ever documentary, Listen to the Land Speak directed by Maurice O’Brien which follows Manchán on a journey across Ireland’s sacred sites, uncovering wisdom encoded in our land, language, and myths. Manchán’s brother and collaborator, Ruán Magan, will be in attendance and take part in a conversation alongside director Maurice O’Brien and writer Kerri ní Dochartaigh.
The eighth Docs Ireland festival returns to Belfast this June (16–21), presenting a bold and globally resonant programme exploring truth, power and storytelling in a rapidly changing world.
Across the wider programme, Docs Ireland will showcase a diverse range of films and events spanning music, climate, conflict, identity and culture, alongside a strong line-up of new Irish work and a growing international industry presence.
Read the rest of this article on the Northern Ireland Screen website below
