Irish Music in France
A 6th Province?

A DOCUMENTARY FILM

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Irish Music in France: A Sixth Province? is a documentary (2026, 1h31) directed by Hervé Cantal and Falc'her-Poyroux, with the support of the University of Tours and the Maison des Sciences sociales et des Humanités Val de Loire.

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How did a music so deeply rooted in Irish history become, in the space of a few decades, a French passion?

Based on 80 interviews with musicians, dancers, teachers and instrument makers conducted across France between 2023 and 2025, this film explores the incredible journey of traditional Irish music beyond its borders and its diaspora, that “fifth province” so dear to Mary Robinson.

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Since the 1960s, French musicians have embraced this tradition and made it their own: like jazz or reggae, Irish music now forms part of the world’s cultural heritage. This documentary shows that it is now experienced as a true space of freedom by musicians of all generations. Far from being a mere copy, the practice of Irish music in France has become a creative space where everyone can now forge their own cultural identity.

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Hervé Cantal is a French musician in the Irish tradition, and has been a radio producer and presenter for several decades.

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Erick Falc'her-Poyroux is Professor in Irish and British studies at the University of Tours, the author of several books on Ireland and the Beatles, as well as a musician and composer.

 

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CONFIRMED SCREENING DATES

 

- 4 June 2026 (9 a.m.) – SAES Conference, SOFEIR workshop, Poitiers.

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- 5 July 2026 (1.30 p.m.) – An Seisiùn Irish Festival, Rencontres irlandaises de Mesquer.

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- 23 July 2026 (7 p.m.) – Tocane Irish Festival, Rencontres irlandaises deTocane.