Discoveries from Northern Ireland World Cinema

Sol is plunged into darkness when his Nonee dies. Sent on a quest to find the light of the world, Sol's journey enables him to realise his love for his grandmother is greater than the pain of his loss.

In a world riven with conflict what is needed to turn war into peace? How can all parties to a war become all parties to a peace? Experience shows it’s the presence of a critical individual in whom all sides can have confidence to chair talks and create the space for an agreement to emerge. In Northern Ireland, one of the few examples of a long-lasting negotiated peace settlement, that critical person was former US Senate Majority Leader, Senator George J Mitchell.

Belfast-born actor Stephen Rea explores the impact of Brexit and the uncertainty of the future of the Irish border in a short film written by Clare Dwyer Hogg.

November, 1849. Having fled the Great Famine, two warring Irish sisters seek their fortunes in the gold rush. But, with winter fast approaching and nothing to show for their efforts, their age-old feud soon threatens to become deadly.

When Young Henry’s wealthy uncle starts courting “the Widow” Maureen Tweed, he starts to fear that he’ll be written out of Old Henry’s will. Conspiring with his wife, Pauline – and a chauffeur with a chequered past, known as Gerry the Wheels – Young Henry puts a plan in motion to make sure that the Widow Tweed never sees a penny of the inheritance he thinks is rightfully his. However, when Pauline’s guilt threatens to expose them, fear and distrust starts to seed within the trio. Not knowing who can trust whom, their dirty deed leads to a series of events that there is no coming back from, for any of them

Unlike many parts of Belfast, Springfield Park at the beginning was a mixed development with people moving from predominant the Falls or Shankill Road and as the viewers are told at the beginning "for the original residents it was one community". Initial friendly relationships between those who lived there come under strain with the army beginning to be a common occurrence on the street, and the rapid erection of two new estates on either side of Springfield Park

When a volcanic ash cloud engulfs Belfast City 12-year-old Zoran finds himself trapped at home with his elderly neighbor. But this ash cloud is like no other – it carries a virulent contagion that transforms those exposed into feral, black-oozing monstrosities. With the outside world fast descending into chaos and his neighbor beginning to succumb to the virus, Zoran will soon discover that when the ash descends there are no safe havens.

Nobody hates Christmas more than the selfish miser Ebenezer Scrooge. But on a cold Christmas Eve, he’s taken on an extraordinary journey through time that presents him with an opportunity to face his past — and change the future — before time runs out.

Follows Laika the dogs journey to space

A Belfast woman becomes increasingly isolated after her all-consuming eco-anxiety leads to altercations with both the local community and her unsympathetic family.

Two strangers, Edith and Richard, are brought into the home of a strange couple, Aloysius and Sebastian. They are faced with bizarre and strenuous scenarios challenging their very being. They must adapt in order to survive.

'Maestra' looks at what happens when women come together - the extraordinary. In March 2022, fourteen women gathered in Paris to show the world the singular talent that unites them and which, for far too long, has been considered the pursuit of only men. Mothers, daughters, rebels, leaders - over four days, each took to the stage to compete in 'La Maestra', the only competition in the world for female conductors. A mother of twin toddlers from Athens, determined to show her kids anything is possible, a Ukrainian doing all she can to focus on her art and the competition in front of her while Russia invades, a Polish student just starting out, and a French immigrant returning to the city that closed its doors to her many years ago. Personal stories of survival, passion and perseverance are woven together with the drama and excitement of this one of a kind event created to break yet another glass ceiling for women.

After a brutal loss in his previous fight, amateur boxer Leo Smith comes back to the ring for a high-stakes rematch against his former opponent. With the fear from the loss eating at him, Leo’s coach Doyle must guide him to victory and prove to Leo that his loss doesn’t define him…

Documentary about the 12th of July parade in the Northern Irish town of Portadown, where disputes about the route the parade takes through town is the cause for ongoing disputes between the protestant and catholic communities.

When New York Police Department Officer, Carol Shaya posed nude for Playboy magazine she drew the wrath of many of her female colleagues. They felt that her striptease in uniform knocked their progress back by twenty years. In another case, Sergeant Cibella Borges was sacked from the force in 1983 for appearing in a hard core men’s magazine. Her case was taken to the High Court where she was reinstated. NYPD Nude interviews Carol, Cibella and other women within the NYPD and explores the boundaries between private and professional life in the Carol Shaya case.

Presented as the work of a French TV crew sent to cover the Bobby Sands 1981 hunger strike, '81 is, in fact, a fictional look at two Belfast families: one catholic and nationalist, one protestant and unionist.

Peter's relationship with girlfriend Chloe is under threat from Peter's plans with eco-activist Adam. Peter knows committing to one will bring an end to the other.

1867, Tennessee. Two psychotic con artists race to steal lost Civil War gold before a ruthless gang of Confederate soldiers catch them.

Sparks fly in this upbeat and funny film about the lives of Mei, Kenny, Ciaran, and Niamh, four young people coping with a tangle of friendships, family life, and local politics in Belfast. Mei, a local Chinese girl, finds that falling in love with Kenny, a Protestant boy, is far from simple as they try to negotiate their way through their cultural differences. Complications arise for both of them when their relationship overlaps with that of Ciaran and Niamh from the Catholic Falls Road. Matters finally come to a head in a frightening confrontation which severely tests cross-community relations. This ‘made for schools’ drama explores the narrow ground of conflicting loyalties, identities and family traditions. Shining through is the Belfast humour – sometimes unforgiving, but more often full of warmth and humanity. The film is scored by John O’Neill of the Undertones.

Patrick Kielty explores the untold story of Harry Ferguson and Henry's Ford's remarkable handshake agreement and how it led to a $250 million lawsuit.

Made to mark the 25th anniversary of one of the most dramatic periods of Northern Ireland history when in 1981 ten men, including elected MP Bobby Sands, starved to death on hunger strike for the right to political status in prison. The events served as a unifying force for Irish nationalists and marked a watershed in the relationship between the British Government and Irish Republicans. The international standing of Margaret Thatcher was affected as condemnation of British intransigence ricocheted around the world. It brought Sinn Féin into electoral politics and greatly influenced their strong electoral position as the largest political party in Northern Ireland today. One of the most extreme protests in prison history is revealed through first-hand accounts of key protagonists and witnesses central to the events of that time. Ocras, made in the Irish language for TG4 in 2006, is similar to The Hunger Strike broadcast earlier that year on BBC Northern Ireland.

When a spirited eight-year-old lands the part of Innkeeper in the school nativity play, she battles her perfectionist teacher who insists that she "stick to the script" and refuse Mary and Joseph a room.

Set in the mid-90s during the IRA ceasefire, the film follows the roller coaster journey of two best friends trying to escape their life in a small Irish town.

“Milo” follows the story of 10-year-old Will Kelly, a young boy on vacation with his family in Ireland who decides to run away with his new best friend - a 10 foot tall sea monster. Pursued by his family, the police and a mysterious stranger, these unlikely fugitives set off on an unforgettable road trip along Ireland’s wild west coast - embarking on a journey that will change Wills life forever and shake the very landscape to its core. A coming of age family adventure filled with emotional storytelling and side-cracking humour, “Milo” is a love letter to childhood summer and will shine a light on the most universal fear of all - the unknown. Hold on to your butt.

When Tomás returns to his remote island holiday home he discovers his reclusive wife and child have vanished. With nowhere to turn and a storm approaching, he is forced to place his trust in the small community's lone retired police officer, Labhaoise, to investigate. As the search takes an unexpected turn, some uncomfortable truths are revealed. Meanwhile the storm looms ever closer.

A young man, Elliot, has been grappling with his sexuality for a long time. With the help from his best friend, Rob, he undergoes a self-discovery journey, finding what he needs within his love, and identity.

Documentary focusing on the SHARP FOCUS project, where four groups of Northern Irish teenagers (from Shankill Road, Belfast; The Falls Road, Belfast; Monaghan; and Muirhevnamor in Dundalk) come together to film four short films reflecting the effects the Troubles had on their contemporary lives.

A group of students at St. Patrick's College find their plans to attend a Tir Eoghain football match complicated by detention, miscommunication, promises, and bullies.

Erik is a university student struggling to find work in the games design industry. At home he battles living with his emotionally abusive and alcoholic mother who will stop at nothing to hinder his success.

A look at the problems facing the railways in Northern Ireland.

This harrowing documentary exposes the institutional and systemic failures that contributed to the death in custody of 20-year-old Joseph Rainey.

Set in the 26th century during a bitter endless winter on Earth, Flotsam & Jetsam follows the journey of a robot, abandoned by the civilisation of people it once served, as it adventures through the frozen wastes and eventually an abandoned city in search of sanctuary and to find out if it is truly the last of its kind. (The film can now be viewed online via the director's YouTube page here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WpbcNGkduU )

A romantic comedy inspired by Wes Anderson

The King's first visit to Ireland's second city - where he unveils Belfast's iconic Queen Victoria statue.

Taking a pub crawl through 1990s Derry (N. Ireland) under the ever watchful eye of the British Army, That sanity be kept explores being young and getting drunk during a ceasefire.

Two young Belfast boys try to catch a giant, mythical Pike rumoured to live in their local pond.

The story of Jack McBride Neill, the Ulster cinema architect who throughout the 1930s and 1940s designed some 16 cinemas around Northern Ireland.

From the shadows of Ireland's ancient past, a spirit reawakens to bring fresh perspectives and new meaning to age-old cultural connections.

The spectacle of The Return of Colmcille on the River Foyle in the summer of 2013 was the brainchild of writer Frank Cottrell Boyce, who delivered the stand-out moment of Derry-Londonderry’s year as the UK City of Culture. In a magical reworking of the story of St Columba, the story began on the Isle of Iona several weeks beforehand when the small community of 14 children created the gift of a book which was ferried across the Irish Sea by a 12-man currach, making the reverse journey that Derry’s patron saint travelled 1,500 years before. In a surprise, mythical twist the Lough Ness monster plans a showdown. The excitement and sense of wonder by the thousands who lined the banks of the river was the culmination of two days of colour, sound, dance, and music which engulfed the whole city – reaching a pyrotechnic climax as the Loch Ness monster sailed up the river to confront his nemesis, St Columba, once again.

A Belfast housing project simmers with resentment at an influx of Polish immigrants. But Iris is too busy for "them and us." She pulls pints and struggles to raise her nephew's baby. Jamie has turned to drugs and lost his job after his ex Anna went back to Poland. Now Anna wants her baby back. Jamie vents his rage on the Poles he once worked with, and Iris must choose a side as her family is ripped apart.

The King's first visit to Ireland's second city - where he unveils Belfast's iconic Queen Victoria statue.

Mina, a clumsy culinary student, is forced to cook for a mysterious man when her coursework is due the next day. However, there may be more to this man than first thought.

Two young Belfast boys try to catch a giant, mythical Pike rumoured to live in their local pond.

This twisted take on the classic story follows Pinokidoki being tricked into thinking a nasty little termite is his conscience, which naturally leads to all sorts of pandemonium. EEK!!

Patrick Kielty explores the untold story of Harry Ferguson and Henry's Ford's remarkable handshake agreement and how it led to a $250 million lawsuit.

Claire is a University graduate stuck working a menial job in Belfast. As she becomes more frustrated with her situation, her personal and professional life become intertwined and end up spilling over into interactions with the people in her life.

From the shadows of Ireland's ancient past, a spirit reawakens to bring fresh perspectives and new meaning to age-old cultural connections.

Actor Ardal O'Hanlon (Father Ted) explores some of the most important archaeological finds in Ireland's history, revealing how many have been used as an important tool for nation-building on both sides of the border. Speaking to world-renowned experts, he unravels a forgotten time period, when a team of Americans from Harvard University, a Nazi archaeologist from Austria, and a Welsh geography professor dug up ancient sites across the country. Their pioneering work answered questions about the Celts, and what it means to be Irish.

A man reflects on his childhood and the trauma he experienced growing up. Through flashbacks, we see glimpses of his younger self and understand the events that shaped his life.

A young gymnast on the cusp of success comes to reject her life of elite gymnastics as a result of her tormenting coach; her mother.

A Derry teacher turned filmmaker transforms a classroom in his school into a claustrophobic hallucination. Created over two Sunday afternoons this award winning film stars a fellow teacher and local pupils. Terence McDonald and Gerry Wills have worked together on several films; with Nebelung they achieved international success demonstrating their flare weaving this darker postmodern tale of the anxious reactions of a German teacher triggered by an old photograph.

Documentary focusing on the SHARP FOCUS project, where four groups of Northern Irish teenagers (from Shankill Road, Belfast; The Falls Road, Belfast; Monaghan; and Muirhevnamor in Dundalk) come together to film four short films reflecting the effects the Troubles had on their contemporary lives.

Colonel Robert Lundy has become infamous as the archetypal traitor who betrayed the cause of the besieged Protestants in the walled city of Derry in 1688/89. Each December his effigy is ritually burned in memory of the victorious outcome of the battle between Protestant King William and Catholic King James II. It is also as a warning to all potential traitors. Ian Paisley, leader of the DUP, was especially vocal in popularising the term Lundy to defame all those who were deemed guilty of ‘selling out’ in the push for peace after decades of conflict in Northern Ireland. Gregory Campbell, DUP, sums up the depth of feeling when he says: “There is, within the Protestant psyche, deep contempt for people who betray their principles.” But who was the real Lundy and does his name carry the same potency today when compromise is a key component of the new political discourse? Unionist Roy Garland embarks on a personal journey to discover the reality behind the myth.

Set in 1950s Ireland, Diva Donkey tells the story of a world famous opera singer, Lucia di Tortellini, who crash-lands on a remote island changing the course of her life and that of Cora, a local islander grieving the recent loss of her mother. When local superstition comes to life, Lucia finds herself stuck inside the body of a donkey. From there, our narcissistic diva is set to be taught a scrooge-esque lesson. That lesson will be revealed through Cora, a child who desperately needs a friend in her life - human or otherwise. What unfolds is an emotional, humorous and heartwarming tale exploring universal themes of friendship and healing. Kindness makes you happier, empathy makes you stronger, change is possible.

A man dissects his childhood teddy bear.

A grandmother's imminent death thrusts her young granddaughter into action as she seeks to save her by any means possible. As the grandmother's condition deteriorates, the young girl's desperation grows, along with the extremity of her actions.

Sharp-tongued sixteen-year-old Jenny works as a home care assistant. She links arms with her friends as she stumbles tipsily towards maturity, navigating grief and attempting to balance the gravity of her job with the melodrama of her social life.

Mark Thompson teams up with historian Dr Fionnan O’Connor to discover the fascinating story of what was once the greatest whiskey industry in the world.

It’s another sunny day at Forest Camp, the most wonderful place on earth - and Odo, his best friend Doodle and all the campers are enjoying another day in the sun. But something unusual is happening - the big sycamore tree, the acorn tree and the oak tree have just prematurely lost all their seeds before they’re ripe. The birds feel the earth beneath them is shaking - something feels very wrong. They discover that huge metal beasts with bright lights are making their way towards forest camp and flattening trees in their path. Forest Camp is at risk. Their home and their community will be lost. Can Odo and his friends save it in time?

John wakes up to realise his worldview has changed and he has now somehow the messiah everyone was waiting for. It gets bonkers in the end.