Fergus O’Farrell: A life bound in gold

A documentary telling the remarkable story of Cork-born singer-songwriter Fergus O’Farrell will release in cinemas later this month.

Hailed by Screen Daily as “deeply affecting” and “a privilege to watch”, ‘Breaking Out’ is and intimate journey into the heart and soul of the late musician.

Fergus 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 the Oscar winning film ‘Once’ starring Fergus’ close friend Glen Hansard.

Following its huge success, the movie was turned into a Broadway hit musical which won multiple Toni awards with Fergus’ song at its heart.

Despite being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at a young age, through it all, Fergus simply had to keep singing. His unique talent and love for life inspired a generation of Irish songwriters even as his own life was slipping away.

Glen Hansard was one of those songwriters and never forgot his friend’s voice, and in one of the many incredible moments in ‘Breaking Out’, he performs the ultimate duet as Fergus' greatest gift was failing.

The film was made over a span of ten years, documenting Fergus’ life as his health deteriorated. It has already won the George Morrison Feature Documentary Award at the 2021 Irish Film and Television Academy Awards, and Best Irish Documentary at the Galway Film Fleadh

2019.

‘Breaking Out’ will be released in cinemas by Element Distribution on 19 November.