Sailm nan Daoine | Psalms of the People
Jack Archer / United Kingdom / 2026 / 84 min
Screening in Carinish Hall on Thursday 24th September at 7pm, join us for Sailm nan Daoine | Psalms of the People.
Rob MacNeacail embarks on a road trip across Scotland and Ireland to explore the tradition of Gaelic psalm singing, and also composes the soundtrack to the film, incorporating melodies, field recordings and musical encounters he makes along the way. Directed by Jack Archer (Bill Douglas: My Best Friend), the film approaches psalm singing not as an artefact or historical curiosity, but as something communal and fiercely alive.
Sailm nan Daoine is an entertaining and heart-warming film about the power of community, family and the resilience needed to keep a language alive.
“Dhòmhsa, chan eil càil ann coltach ri coimhearsnachd tighinn còmhla ’s a’ co-roinn an cuid fhaireachdainn tro sheinn.’’ / “For me, there’s nothing like a community coming together and sharing their feelings through song.”
“’S e an ceòl as fheàrr an ceòl na thachras’’ / “The finest music, is the music of what happens”
Jack Archer, Director:
“This film is a collaboration. Gaelic psalm singing is at the heart of it but we follow lines that connect the entire breadth of the Gaelic world, ignoring the artificial constructs and rigid identities imposed by colonialism and national boundaries. It has a spontaneous serendipity at its heart, a road trip inspired by musical sessions and poems. A story about legacy, nurture and community.”
Tickets for Sailm nan Daoine are available below, screening in Carinish Hall at 7pm on Thursday 24th September. The film will be followed by a Q&A session with Rob MacNeacail.
Ahead of the film screening, Rob MacNeacail will lead a special Gaelic psalm singing workshop in Carinish Hall, from 5-7pm. See the workshop page for more information. Save by booking tickets for both events together!
If you would like to show your support for independent cinema, you are also welcome to make donations after the screening. To keep up to date with listings and information, you can subscribe to UistFilm’s newsletter here. UistFilm is supported by Film Hub Scotland and the British Film Institute.