Max HeyraudWith less than a month until this year’s Open Ear, the beloved Irish festival is offering a look back at its unique 2024 edition with a new short documentary, Island Rules: A Rewind To 2024 On Sherkin.
The 25-minute film, directed by James Redmond, the filmmaker behind Notes on a Rave, will premiere on Open Ear‘s YouTube channel on Friday, April 25th.
Island Rules, shot on Sherkin Island off Ireland’s southwest coast, captures the distinct energy that defines one of Ireland’s most unique independent festivals, Open Ear. The film weaves together field recordings, installations, and standout performances to create an intimate and atmospheric record of the festival’s 2024 edition.
Highlights include Harga’s dusk-lit set on a hidden beach stage, as well as Sarah Murphy’s striking stage design, which helped shape the event’s otherworldly aesthetic. More than a standard recap, Island Rules captures the festival’s distinct atmosphere through its hand-built site, community-rooted ethos, and deep connection to the natural beauty of Sherkin Island.
A 90-second teaser is already available here, with the full film dropping this Friday. You can purchase final tickets to Open Ear here.
