- A Wee CRAIC Set For September 18 -
5th Annual Film Fleadh Shorts Night Announced

The CRAIC is Back! The 5th Annual Film Fleadh Shorts Night, A Wee CRAIC, is scheduled for September 18 at Arlene’s Grocery (95 Stanton St.) in the Lower East Side. Halfway to St. Paddy’s Day, it will feature the best in Irish short films intertwined with some excellent acoustic live music all under one roof. It promises to be the most innovative festival yet.

Having wrapped up a very successful 2 week Festival in March, all energies are now focused on the annual one night festival. The event will feature award-winning short films by Celtic filmmakers from both sides of the Atlantic and will showcase the best of Irish music. With the CMJ festival taking place from September 14 – 17, the acoustic Wee CRAIC, is a perfect way to complete the week.

Award-winning shorts to be featured include new musical animation, Barbershop, the quirky, adorable short Jellybaby and the innovative and hilarious ‘What Have The Brits Ever Done For Us’. Performing in the intimate venue will be CRAIC favorites, Colin and Emmet from NY based Dublin band, Mr. North and Irish newcomer David Hopkins, ex-member of Dublin band, Lir. Other performers have yet to be announced.

Offering a genuine perspective on Celtic culture, The CRAIC Festival has become the most significant festival in North America for the exposure of new Irish Film and Music talent. As Festival Director Terence Mulligan notes, ‘The CRAIC has taken on a life of its own. Producers and studios are now knocking on our doors as they realize the unique position of the festival and the opportunities it offers. As great as this is, it’s always vital to keep our ear to the ground for rising stars. Finding and unleashing those undiscovered gems is what keeps it fun!’

The CRAIC began life as the New York Film Fleadh back in 1999. The festival and Shorts Night have grown year after year gaining momentum with premieres such as Intermission, About Adam, and this year with the premiere of The Boys and Girl from County Clare and the Bafta award winning Omagh. Shorts have included Oscar nominated animation Give Up Yer Aul Sins, Yu Ming is Ainm Dom and The Ten Steps.

The decision was made to expand the festival to include the best of new Irish musical talent and so The CRAIC Festival and A Wee CRAIC were born in 2004. The March festival is scheduled as a lead in to the South by Southwest Music Festival in Texas, enabling bands to debut in NY and test the US waters before heading down South. To date Republic of Loose, Mainline and Bronagh Gallagher have all made their US musical debuts at The CRAIC to great success.

The CRAIC events are always a good time and you never know who’ll you meet! The list of special guests who have attended in the past include Liam Neeson, Cillian Murphy, Barry Levinson, Colm Meaney, Andrea Corr, Andrew McCarthy and Hughie from The Fun Lovin’ Criminals to keep the New York touch!

A Wee Craic takes place on September 18 at Arlene’s Grocery, 95 Stanton Street from 6pm to 9.30pm. Admission is $15 and tickets will only be available at the door.