"The Secret of Roan Inish" is not a true story but is based on the folklore of the Irish west coast, particularly the legend of selkies—mythical creatures that can transform from seals to humans. The film, directed by John Sayles and released in 1994, follows a young girl named Fiona who discovers the secret of her family's connection to the island of Roan Inish and the selkie legend. While the narrative is fictional, it draws heavily on Irish cultural myths and the real-life coastal landscape of Ireland.

You can watch "The Secret of Roan Inish" on various streaming platforms. As of now, it is available for rental or purchase on services like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and iTunes. Additionally, you may find it on subscription services like HBO Max or through library digital services such as Kanopy or Hoopla, depending on availability in your region. Always check the specific platform for the most current availability.

Yes, "The Secret of Roan Inish" is an Irish-American film. Directed by John Sayles and released in 1994, it is based on a novel by Rosalie K. Fry, which draws on Irish folklore and mythology. The film is set in a small fishing village in Ireland and tells the story of a young girl named Fiona who discovers the secrets of the nearby island of Roan Inish, particularly involving the selkie legend. It beautifully captures the culture and landscape of Ireland, making it a significant work in Irish cinema.

"Roan Inish" translates to "Island of the Seal" in Irish. The name reflects the film's themes of nature and mythology, as seals play a significant role in the story. The film is set on a small island off the coast of Ireland and centers around a young girl named Fiona, who discovers her family's connection to the island and its magical legends, particularly involving the selkies, mythical creatures that are said to be seals in the water and humans on land.