On 21st July 2025, foley artist Conall McCauley brought the soundtrack of Archie Reid’s 1981 short film The Hungry Grass to life with a live performance at Belfast's Queen's Film Theatre. Using an eclectic range of tools – including concertinas, straw and bird whistles – and accompanied by narration from actor Niall Cusack, McCauley demonstrated to the sold-out audience the intricacies and creativity of foley artistry. His approach went beyond simply recreating on-screen sound effects, instead using sound to heighten atmosphere, suggest meaning and deepen immersion.

The Hungry Grass tells the story of an American returning to Ireland to visit the graves of his ancestors. His journey leads him into danger, as he becomes ensnared by the eerie legends surrounding the tufts of cursed grass that dot the Irish landscape.

The performance was followed by a screening of the 1973 folk horror classic The Wicker Man.

• Conall McCauley Instagram