Irish Documentary ‘Congo - An Irish Affair’ in Selected Irish Cinemas from 14th September
To coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Siege of Jadotville (September 13-18 1961), the biggest engagement of the Irish army since the Civil War, akaJava films is releasing a feature length documentary CONGO - AN IRISH AFFAIR in cinemas and venues around Ireland, beginning on September 14th 2011.
Directed by Brendan Culleton and Irina Maldea, the story follows A Company, 35th Battalion of the Irish Army United Nations contingent, sent to the Congo in 1961, who became involved in war with mercenary-led Katangese separatists funded by a multinational mining company.
For one week the fate of the United Nations was in the hands of a battalion of Irish soldiers, surrounded at Jadotville, Congo.
155 Irish men were threatened with annihilation by mercenaries hired by a giant mining company which was trying to tear Congo apart, backed by Britain, France and Belgium.
The film "Congo - an Irish Affair", a sell-out at Dublin and Galway film festivals, uses previously unseen film archives and interviews with participants to present a fast paced and riveting account of a time when Irish soldiers and diplomats were at the centre of world events.
The film is supported by Bord Scannán na hÉireann/Irish Film Board, TG4 and the Broadcasting Association of Ireland. Developed with the support of the MEDIA Programme of the European Union.
"Congo - an Irish Affair" Screenings
Venue: Cineplex, Carrick-on-Shannon
Playdate: 14th/15th September
Venue: Custume Barracks, Athlone (private screening)
Playdate: 17th September
Venue: Irish Film Centre (Ireland on Sunday)
Playdate: 18th Sept
Venue: Athlone Film Club
Playdate: 20th Sept
Venue: Courthouse Film Circle, Tinahely
Playdate: 21st Sept
Venue: Movies@Dundrum,
Venue: Movies@Swords,
Venue: Movies@Gorey,
Venue: SGC, Dungarvan,
Venue: Mayo Movie World, Castlebar
Playdate: 24th Sept
Venue: Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise
Playdate: 30th Sept
Venue: Cork Cine Club, Cork Opera House
Playdate: 6th October
Venue: Belltable Arts Centre, Limerick
Playdate: 11th October
Venue: Seamus Ennis Centre, Naul
Playdate: 27th October
Venue: Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge
Playdate: 27th October
Venue: Imagine Festival 2011, Waterford City
Playdate: 23rd October
Venue: Kerry Film festival
Playdate: 3rd November