FILM: Sailm nan Daoine (Psalms of the People)

SAILM NAN DAOINE
(Psalms of The People)
A FILM BY JACK ARCHER

The striking new documentary, Sailm nan Daoine, will be released in cinemas across the UK from 15 May 2026, welcoming audiences along on an intimate and heartfelt road trip which explores one of the most emotionally resonant and culturally significant musical traditions: Gaelic psalm singing.

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.

Rob’s journey begins in the picturesque village of Carlops in the Scottish Borders: a special place bursting with talented musicians and deep thinkers. From there, Rob travels to the Western Isles of Scotland, East Belfast and on to County Cork in the south of Ireland, following ancient paths that unravel threads of music and ideas. The pilgrimage brings up many questions in Rob’s mind about identity, culture and community as he immerses the audience in a new perspective through his music and portable sound recorder.

Rob also composes the soundtrack to the film, incorporating melodies, field recordings and musical encounters he makes along the way. The combination of harmonium, whistle, guitar and synthesised drones give the music a futuristic tone, whilst being steeped in tradition. A recording of a supermarket freezer in Broadford becomes the soundscape for a futuristic rendition of the Ossianic Ballad, Duan na Ceàrdaich.

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.

Sailm nan Daoine had its World Premiere at this year’s Glasgow Film Festival.

“A poignant tale of cultural heritage” | Screen Daily

“By weaving together songs, sounds, words, and visuals, Psalms gives audiences a real feel for the broader culture” | The Hollywood Reporter

“… A fascinating documentary, at once personal and political, uplifting and thought-provoking. You can’t ask for much more, really. And the singing… is absolutely fantastic” | The Herald

“If this is a road trip, it is a trip through memory and identity, community and language” | Bella Caledonia

https://www.sailmnandaoine.co.uk/

Jack Archer / United Kingdom / 2026 / 84 min

Doors & fully licensed bar open from 6.15pm

Bar accepts only cards & contactless payments

This is a seated event with a mix of seats at tables and traditional rows

Running time is approximately 84 mins