- Release year: 2026
- Director: Jack Archer.
- Producer: Calum McConnell and Jack Archer.
- Cinematography by: Anna Garvin, Martyn Robertson.
- Music by: Rob MacNeacail.
Synopsis: documentary about Gaelic psalm singing in different communities of Scotland and Ireland.
Shotgun Commentary: culturally crucial and wholesome AF.
Review
Sailm Nan Daoine (English translation: Psalms of the People) is one of those documentaries that reminds you of the importance of cultural heritage and community bonding. The weaponisation of concepts like ‘heritage’, ‘tradition’ and ‘culture’ has always been common practice among extreme movements and politics. Nowadays, this practice is even more dangerous thanks to the spread of misinformation. So watching a documentary that truly celebrates these notions without a destructive agenda is downright cathartic.
A soul-searching trip
The film follows Rob MacNeacail, a Scottish Gaelic singer, musician, and advocate for traditional Gaelic psalm singing. He introduces the documentary with an explanation of his relationship to psalm singing and its importance both in his life and in the life of the communities that engage in it. After this small contextual section, you reach the meat of the documentary: the road trip he takes to experience how different communities in Scotland and Ireland engage in the Gaelic psalm singing.
In this road trip, you are invited to consider the different perspectives, practices, and attached meanings that the reading of psalms can have. One thing that stands out is its surprising potential outside of a religious context. While it is highly unlikely to hear people reciting psalms outside of a religious event, the singing of psalms in Gaelic has managed to transcend its religious meaning. Thus, it is present in community groups whose motivation might simply be the preservation and promotion of the Gaelic language or to connect with their fellow locals in a more artistic context.
A brighter future
As it is rightly mentioned around the middle of the feature, Gaelic was there long before our modern notions of nationalism existed. In this sense, every word spoken in this language—and there will be many in the documentary, as it is mostly in Gaelic with English subtitles—is a reminder that humans are more than imaginary lines drawn on a piece of paper. Our culture is more, and should always be more, than the economic or political interests of the few.
All in all, Sailm Nan Daoine is a gentle reminder of how great our race can be. Of how good it feels to create, to join, to connect. It is a good piece made with love and intention. Edited with a clear purpose. And presented at a time where any reminder that there are good people out there is not only a pick-me-up but also a necessary form of resistance.
You can now enjoy this fantastic piece at Dunoon Film Festival, running from the 8th of May to the 10th. Sailm Nan Daoine will be screened on Saturday 9th at 13:30 at Dunoon Burgh Hall. The screening will feature an introduction and Q&A with director Jack Archer and lead Ron MacNeacail. This will be followed by a psalm-singing workshop led by MacNeacail, giving you the chance to experience this practice firsthand.
MORE INFO ON THE SCREENING, EVENT, AND TICKETS HERE!
Advice to take from this movie:
- It is important to keep in touch with your roots.
- Heritage should be used to unite people, not divide them.
- Don’t let imaginary lines on a paper be the source of your hatred.
What’s your take? Have you watched Sailm nan Daoine? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message on my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀