Ireland, 2025
Running time: 88’
Director, writers: Alan Gilsenan; producer and archive researcher: Martin Mahon; cameraman: Ronan Fox; editing: Bjorn Mac Giolla; music: Brendan Jenkinson; sound recordist: Kieran Horgan; graphic designer: John Foley; production companies: Yellow Asylum for the James Connolly Foundation for Educational Equality Ireland.
With Lorcan Collins, Stephen Rea, Christy Moore, Davy Power, Eoghan Ó Ceannbháin, Esosa Ighodaro, Tamsin Iona Connolly Heron. And Terry O’Neill
SYNOPSIS
An iconic presence in Irish history, the name of James Connolly looms large in the landscape of socialism, Irish republicanism and the trade union movement. Here, Alan Gilsenan positions Connolly’s radical ideas and political achievements within the contemporary political landscape, as well as documenting his prominent role in the 1916 Rising. The film, based primarily on the writings of James Connolly, draws on reflections of many distinguished commentators, union activists and historians, and on performances from musicians and artists.
DIRECTOR
Born in Dublin, Alan Gilsenan is an award-winning writer, film-maker and theatre director. His diverse body of film work extends across documentary, feature films and experimental work. His film debut was in 1988, with the documentary The Road to God Knows Where. His films are noted for their emotional depth and thoughtful engagement with Ireland’s cultural landscape.
Gilsenan has received four Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTAs), most recently for The Days of Trees, winner of the 2024 IFTA George Morrison Feature Documentary Award. He is a former Chairperson of the Irish Film Institute, a member of the boards of both Screen Ireland and Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ.
TRAILER