Alessandra Celesia
Ireland, France, Belgium, United Kingdom | 2024 | 114 min
Swiss Premiere
Language : English
Subtitles : English, French
In his flat in the working-class Catholic district of New Lodge in Belfast, Joe reconstructs memories of his childhood, which was tragically impacted by the Troubles in Northern Ireland. In this ensemble tale built on the still-burning ashes of the past, Joe is joined by neighbours Jolene, Angie and Sean, who share in the process of revisiting the collective memories of a violent and painful history.
Strange things are happening in Joe's flat. Situated at the top of a tower block in the working-class Catholic district of New Lodge in Belfast, this is where Joe has decided to recreate memories of his childhood, which was heavily affected by the armed conflict in Northern Ireland. The so-called Troubles, which lasted from the 1960s until 1998, claimed more than 3,500 lives, including Cocke, Joe's young uncle who was murdered at the age of 17 in New Lodge. With the help of his psychotherapist Rita, he attempts to understand why these wounds have never healed. Determined to summon the past in order to find peace, he re-enacts his uncle's wake with the help of his neighbours, Jolene, Angie and Sean. Filmmaker Alessandra Celesia has brought together a cast of characters who have all been directly affected by this bloody chapter of history, or indirectly as a result of its consequences. Through their gestures, they will build mutual attention and revisit the collective memory of the neighbourhood, attempting in their own way to implement the final words of Bobby Sands, who died of a hunger strike in 1981: "Our revenge will be the laughter of our children". A masterful ensemble film, and a powerful work of love built on the still-smouldering ashes of the past.
Aurélien Marsais
Aurélien Marsais
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Trailer
Screenplay
Alessandra Celesia
Photography
François Chambe
Sound
Quentin Jacques
Editing
Frédéric Fichefet
Music
Brian Irvine
Production
Jean-Laurent CsinidisFilms de Force MajeureGenevièvre De BauwThank you & Good Night ProductionsJeremiah CullinanePlanet Korda PicturesJohn McllduffDUMBWORLD
Sales contact
Théo LionelThe Party Film Salestheo.lionel@thepartysales.com+331 76 21 51 77