Dundalk musician David Keenan’s raw 500-day struggle

The highly anticipated documentary about Dundalk artist, David Keenan, titled David Keenan – Focla ar Chanbhás, (Words on Canvas) directed by Paddy Hayes, will screen on Wednesday 13 May at 9.50pm exclusively on TG4.

The film toured the world with screenings from Chicago to Krakow, and at home, the film was a tremendous hit in Belfast and at the Galway Film Fleadh. Focla ar Chanbhás is an intimate and poetic exploration of the life and artistry of Dundalk musician David Keenan.

Four years after the breakthrough success of his debut album Beginner’s Guide to Bravery, Dundalk-born songwriter, musician, and composer David Keenan finds himself at a crossroads. Known for his evocative lyricism and compelling live performances, Keenan invites us into his world of words as he returns to the studio to create new music.

“Anger is easy to portray; it’s the hurt that’s hard,” Keenan reflects, encapsulating the emotional depth of the journey captured on screen.

“Over the course of 500 days, Focla ar Chanbhás offers an unfiltered look at his creative process, the challenges of navigating an ever-changing music industry, and the struggle to remain authentic in an era dominated by “algorithm and blues.”

This film is not just a documentary about one artist—it is a meditation on artistry itself, a resonant portrait of the trials and triumphs of musical expression.

Director Paddy Hayes masterfully weaves together candid footage, powerful performances, and deeply personal moments, crafting an immersive documentary that will leave audiences moved and inspired.

David Keenan – Focla ar Chanbhás is an Ildána film funded by TG4 and the Arts Council.

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