The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) has selected the Irish-language film Aontas as Ireland's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards.

Directed by Damian McCann, who previously directed Doineann, the film was written by McCann and Sarah Gordon. Produced by Órfhlaith Ní Chearnaigh and Christopher Myers, Aontas stars Carrie Crowley, Bríd Brennan, and Eva-Jane Gaffney.

The story follows a group of women who rob a credit union in a small rural town. The narrative begins with the robbery going wrong and unfolds in reverse, chapter by chapter, revealing the events that led up to it.

Aontas was produced with support from TG4, BBC Gaeilge, the Irish Language Broadcasting Fund, and Northern Ireland Screen, with additional support from Yellowmoon.

This marks the fifth Irish-language film to be selected as Ireland's Oscar entry since 2021, following Arracht, Foscadh, An Cailín Ciúin, and Kneecap.

TG4 Director General Deirdre Ní Choistín described the selection as significant, noting that five TG4-supported films have now been chosen in recent years. She congratulated the entire Aontas team.

TG4 Commissioning Editor Máire Ní Chonláin said the recognition is deserved and reflects the talent and creativity of everyone involved. She noted the film is rooted in Northern Ireland but has resonated with audiences worldwide.

McCann said the film originated from a conversation with his mother, who described in detail how she would rob a bank. From that conversation, he said, came a film that has connected with viewers around the world.