The Job of Songs

The Job of Songs is a documentary centered on the village of Doolin in County Clare, Ireland. While the region is known for the Cliffs of Moher, the film focuses on the local community and their dedication to traditional folk music. It explores how acoustic songs performed in homes and pubs serve as a cultural bond that links different generations and fosters a sense of connection among neighbors.

The film was directed by Lila Schmitz, who also served as a producer and co-wrote the screenplay with Anika Kan Grevstad. Produced by Lila Schmitz, Anika Kan Grevstad, and Fengyi Xu, this United States production features appearances by musicians such as Luka Bloom, Kieran O’Connell, Anne Rynne, Beth Tipton, Katie Theasby, and Eoin O'Neill appearing as themselves. The documentary has a total runtime of 74 minutes and was released on November 12, 2021.