In March 1990 - over the St Patrick’s Day period - five Irish traditional musicians came together to form an ad-hoc group for a tour in the Soviet Union, organised by the Dublin-based Ireland-USSR Society as part of its efforts to maintain social and cultural links between the two countries.

Going by the name of Pócaí Folamha (Empty Pockets), the musicians travelled to Moscow and the Soviet republic of Uzbekistan. Along the way they were to play not only in theatres but in schools, a porcelain factory and a collective farm - and to get a unique insight into life in the Soviet Union as it teetered on the brink of collapse.

Accompanying them was a team from DoubleBand Films, the Belfast-based production company that had been commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland and RTÉ to make a documentary about the tour. A film that would capture extraordinary cultural and musical experiences at an extraordinary moment in history.

Ahead of the screening, join three members of the original group (Brendan Gunn, Joe McHugh and Mick Heffernan) for live music in the foyer. Following the film, the musicians will be joined by director Michael Hewitt for a conversation reflecting on their remarkable trip, hosted by Hugh Odling-Smee (Film Hub NI).

This film is Pay What You Can. This scheme invites you to think about your own circumstances and what you can afford to spend at the cinema. Instead of our usual ticket types, for all Fleadh on Film screenings we have a sliding scale with tickets at £4, £7, £10 and £15. Find out more.

This Fleadh on Film screening is presented as part of the Fleadh at Queen’s programme which celebrates the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 coming to Belfast for the first time, and the rich tradition of Irish music and heritage. See the full programme of campus-wide events here.