Join us for free films from the IFI Irish Film Archive every day in August Simply collect tickets at IFI Box Office.

PART 1: FREEDOM TO CHANGE
25 mins, 1965, Black & White

PART 2: THE CHURCH’S ROLE
25 mins, 1965, Black & White

This two-part film, sponsored by the US National Council for Catholic Men and produced by CBS for television audiences, looks at contemporary Irish experience and the pervasive force of the Catholic Church in Irish life. Politician Eamon de Valera and economist Garret Fitzgerald speak of Ireland’s economic and social problems, many caused by the country’s rapid urbanisation. A cleric sees the application of the gospel’s message as essential in dealing with the changes taking place. Artists Patrick Pye, Brian Bourke and Ray Carroll discuss religious art while writer James Plunkett comments on the church’s suppression of literature and biologist Patricia Boyle speaks about women and the church.

Notes by Sunniva O’Flynn