Damian McCann’s Irish-language crime thriller, Aontas, is set to arrive on BBC iPlayer next month, alongside broadcasts on BBC One Northern Ireland and TG4. The film, which has already garnered critical acclaim and a string of awards on the festival circuit throughout 2025, will premiere on these platforms on .
Aontas, meaning “union” in Irish, centers around a heist gone wrong and unfolds its narrative in reverse chronological order. The story follows Mairéad, portrayed by Carrie Crowley, a woman on the brink of collapse, who leads two unlikely accomplices – her sister Cáit (Bríd Brennan) and Sheila (Eva-Jane Gaffney) – in an attempt to rob a rural Irish Credit Union. As the film progresses backwards, it delves into the events leading up to the botched robbery, revealing a complex portrait of a woman grappling with her past.
The film’s unique structure, described as a “twisty little back-pedalling noir,” draws comparisons to the work of Christopher Nolan, while remaining firmly rooted in the Irish crime genre. The screenplay, penned by McCann and Sarah Gordon, is noted for its authentic use of the Irish language, including its colorful vernacular.
Aontas has already proven to be a significant success, winning Clár Teilifíse/Scannán na Bliana (Television/Film Programme of the Year) at the Oireachtas Media Awards in Belfast in November 2025. It also secured Best Film Feature at several international film festivals, including San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Maryland, Three Rivers, Ojai, Manchester, and the Irish Film Festival London.
The cast also includes Seán T. Ó Meallaigh, Marcus Lamb, Art Parkinson, Naseen Morgan, Niall Mac Eachmharcaigh, Bríd Ní Chumhaill, Mary Ryan, Christopher Grant, Frankie McCafferty, and Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhrighde. The film is produced by Órfhlaith Ní Chearnaigh and Christopher Myers for Púca Pictures.
Funding for Aontas comes from a collaborative effort between Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, BBC Gaeilge, and TG4, with additional support from Yellowmoon. This backing reflects a growing commitment to Irish-language filmmaking and its increasing visibility on both a national and international stage. The film builds on the success of McCann’s previous work, Doineann, and aims to attract a similar audience, as well as viewers of other Irish and Scottish language programming like Crá and An t-Eilean.
The arrival of Aontas on BBC iPlayer is part of a broader season of Irish-language programming from BBC Gaeilge, coinciding with Seachtain na Gaeilge, the annual international celebration of Irish language and culture. Alongside the film, viewers can also access the documentary Tubaiste sa Phortach (“Disaster at the Portach”), which investigates the 1943 crash of a RAF Wellington bomber in County Donegal.
Tubaiste sa Phortach, produced by Clean Slate Television, follows journalist Kevin Magee as he accompanies the son of the pilot, Leonard Ashby Court, on a visit to the crash site. The documentary explores the possible causes of the crash and honors the six crew members who perished. It will air on BBC Two Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer on .
BBC Gaeilge’s Seachtain na Gaeilge programming also includes a range of other content, including the return of Blas with special features, and online series Cumhacht na bhFocal (“The Power of Words”) and Arbh fhearr leat… (“Would You Rather…”). Previously broadcast programs like Crá, Ceolta, Bog Amach, Iarsmaí, and The Irish Houses: Scéal Phobal Bhóthar Seoighe will also be available on BBC iPlayer, offering a diverse range of Irish-language content for audiences to enjoy.
The inclusion of Aontas on BBC iPlayer marks a significant step for Irish-language cinema, bringing a critically acclaimed and award-winning film to a wider audience. The film’s complex narrative, strong performances, and unique stylistic choices position it as a standout example of contemporary Irish filmmaking.
