An absolute must-watch for those interested in the man once described as ‘the Martin Luther King of the Irish conflict’.
Following the big screen premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh in July 2017, followed by a theatrical release in November that same year, John Hume: In America will be getting its television premiere this week.
The documentary follows the life of Nobel Peace Prize winner as he worked tirelessly over decades to rally the support of one US President after another to back the peace process in Ireland, and was a key agent in the transformation of Northern Ireland – one which valued inclusive peace.
Narrated by Liam Neeson, with a score provided by Riverdance composer Bill Whelan, the documentary also features interviews with former American Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, British Prime Ministers Tony Blair and John Major, and Taoisigh Bertie Ahern and Enda Kenny.
Director Maurice Fitzpatrick told RTE that “Building peace, and protecting that peace, in Northern Ireland requires a clear view of the nature of the problems in Northern Ireland, and a sense of the depth in time of the current phase of the peace process to educate people about confronting the problems that endure.
“A reflection on the political life of John Hume in a good place to start.”
John Hume: In America airs on RTE One on Tuesday 7 August at 9.35pm, and you can check out the trailer right here:
Clip via Galway Film Fleadh
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