Breaking Out

Element Distribution to release award-winning documentary Breaking Out on November 6th

Element Distribution has announced the release of Breaking Out to Irish cinemas and On Demand in the coming months. Unfortunately due to the Covid-19 pandemic the original release of the film had to be pushed.

Winner of Best Irish Documentary at the 2019 Galway Film Fleadh, Breaking Out celebrates the remarkable life of Fergus O’Farrell, the renowned singer-songwriter best known for his timeless song “Gold” which featured in the soundtrack to Once, the Oscar winning film and multi-Tony-award-winning musical. Breaking Out was filmed over ten years by Michael McCormack and has been hailed by Screen Daily as “a privilege to watch”. 

It’s a great pleasure to finally share Fergus O’Farrell’s inspirational story. At a time when we all need heroes, Breaking Out will fill your soul. 

Director Michael McCormack speaking about bringing the film to Irish audiences

Fergus O’Farrell was the charismatic voice of Interference, one of the most compelling and influential bands to emerge from the Irish music scene in the 1990s.  He was best known for his timeless song “Gold” which featured in the soundtrack to Once, the Oscar-winning film and multi-Tony-award-winning musical. Despite being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at a young age, through it all, Fergus had to keep singing. His unique talent and love for life inspired a generation of songwriters. Oscar-winner Glen Hansard was one of those songwriters and never forgot that voice, and in one of the many incredible moments in Breaking Out, he performs the ultimate duet as Fergus’ greatest gift was failing.

Breaking Out is a Silver Moonbeam Film Production in association with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.  Element Distribution will release Breaking Out to cinemas nationwide and on-demand soon.