Irish Politics Hits The Big Screen With THE JOURNEY And THE RISING

Irish politics seems to be very popular with filmmakers at the minute. Two new films, tackling two very different aspects of the Irish political scene are now in development.

Nick Hamm’s The Journey is a fictional account of the relationship between Democratic Unionist Party leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness. The two were enemies on either side of the political spectrum but they went on to forge an unlikely friendship. Divorcing Jack author Colin Bateman is sharing scripting duties with Hamm and the film is set to shoot in Northern Ireland and Scotland in September. Timothy Spall is in the frame to play Paisley, while the role of Martin McGuiness has yet to be cast.

Meanwhile, Kevin McCann’s The Rising ‘tells the story of Ireland’s defining historical event in the 20th Century. That was the Easter Rising in 1916, in which a small rebellion sought to free Ireland from centuries of oppressive British imperial rule.’ Merlin star Colin Morgan will play Sean McDermott and David O’Hara takes on the iconic role of James Connolly.

McCann’s probably hoping the film scores as much acclaim as the 2006 Palme D’Or winner The Wind That Shakes The Barley, or at the very least matches the praise heaped on Neil Jordan’s Michael Collins. Speaking of Michael Collins – Liam Neeson played the title role in Jordan’s film – and his son, Michael will take on the role in The Rising.

Irish born Movies In Focus will keep you updated on both these movies as they progress.

Source: Deadline