On film : A night with Ireland’s finest musicians
It was Christmas Eve, babe… Dublin. After hours. On film.
When Dublin—and its most legendary live music venue—closed its doors on a winter’s night, an unplanned musical gathering began to unfold.
Texts were sent. Word spread. Guitars arrived, followed by a trombone, a double bass, and a string quartet. One by one, some of Ireland’s finest musicians appeared, ready to play.
We Will Sing captures that spontaneous night in Whelan’s as it happened — an intimate, lo-fi “docu-gig” that celebrates musicianship, community, and the shared power of music. Filmed by Dublin-born, London-based director Scott Altman, the film was produced in aid of The Peter McVerry Trust and Simon Communities of Ireland, raising awareness and support for the fight against homelessness.
All-Star Cast
Performances by:
Glen Hansard, Hudson Taylor, Gabrielle Aplin, Gavin James, Stephen James Smith, Matthew Devereux, Danny O’Reilly, Eoin Glackin, Róisín O, Mundy, Mark Geary, Emma Wigglesworth, and many more.
It was a night when Hudson Taylor became Simon & Garfunkel, Róisín O became Amy Winehouse, Mundy became Bob Marley, and Glen Hansard performed his Oscar-winning Falling Slowly with a string quartet and an all-star cast.
A true Irish “session” — raw, unplanned, up-close and in-your-face — We Will Sing captures musicians playing for each other, for the joy of the moment, and for a cause that matters.
The Story Behind We Will Sing
Filmed entirely on Christmas Eve in Dublin’s iconic Whelan’s venue, We Will Sing began as an impromptu session among friends and evolved into a powerful filmic document of Irish creativity and compassion.
Altman, who was present that night, instinctively picked up his camera when he sensed something special was about to unfold — and the result is an unforgettable portrait of Ireland’s music community at its purest.
Musicianship & Magic
At its core, We Will Sing is a celebration of authentic musicianship.
Natural-born players and incomparable singers come together, each knowing exactly when to step in and step out. There are no setlists, no rehearsals — only instinct, respect, and the rhythm of the night.
This is Dublin.
And we will sing.
Watch Trailer
WATCH NOW
The film is free to watch but we encourage viewers to make a donation to support the fight against homelessness in Ireland.
Support the Cause
Your support helps provide shelter and services to those affected by homelessness in Ireland.
Production Gallery
Press Quotes
“Ireland’s finest musicians stayed on in Whelan’s after closing time last Christmas Eve… with a beautiful musical result titled We Will Sing.” — Hot Press
“Altman happened to be there on the evening and, sensing something special was about to take place, he picked up his camera and captured it all on film.” — Lovin Dublin
“A session in the truest sense of the word… organised for a great cause, to help raise money for homeless charities.” — 98FM
“Documentary about a lock-in in Whelan’s features a who’s who of Irish musicians.” — JOE.ie
Selected Cast & Crew
Director / Executive Producer | Scott Altman
Co-Producer | Mark Hogan
Featured Performers | Glen Hansard, Hudson Taylor, Gabrielle Aplin, Gavin James, Stephen James Smith, Matthew Devereux, Danny O’Reilly, Eoin Glackin, Róisín O, Mundy, Emma Wigglesworth, Mark Geary, and more
Music | 'We Will Sing' by Paul Casey
Editor | Yannis Tsakiridis (Defunct Films)
Final Mix | Colm O'Rourke (Raygun Post-Production)
Colourist | Leandro Arouca (First Element Post-Production)
Filmed Live At | Whelan’s, Dublin, Ireland
In Aid Of | Peter McVerry Trust and Simon Communities of Ireland
Production Company | Defunct Films