Ireland on Sunday is our monthly showcase for new Irish Film.

Desmond Bell’s dramatisation of the life of Frank Ryan (1902–1944) provides a sympathetic but searching portrait of a politically complex figure. Ryan, an IRA activist in Ireland, International Brigade Volunteer in Spain, and Nazi collaborator in Berlin, entered an agreement with a Nazi regime which he believed would assist in forging a united Ireland. But the former radical and internationalist paid a heavy price for this pact. The film raises important questions about collaboration between the IRA and the Nazis in World War II, and opens up debate about Irish neutrality in that war.  

Featuring a striking lead performance from Dara Devaney, the drama incorporates archive film and Ryan’s original correspondence to create a compelling and textured portrait of the man.

Desmond Bell will participate in a post-screening Q&A with Tommy Graham (Editor, History Ireland).