It’s been 20 years since Mel Gibson brought Hollywood to Ireland by shooting his medieval epic on Irish soil. This powerful, historically based narrative sees iconic Scottish rebel William Wallace (Gibson), outraged by the brutality of British invaders, dedicate his life to uniting Scotland’s tribal clans and lead them in their battle for freedom from Britain.

Ireland is well represented throughout with lush Wicklow, Kildare and Meath locations and a wildly hirsute supporting cast lead by Brendan Gleeson and over 1,500 Irish extras in the film’s spectacular battle sequences.

This screening will be complemented by an Afternoon Talk by Lar Joye of the National Museum of Ireland. Both events mark the IFI’s ongoing collaboration with Dublin City Council’s Festival of History.