Atomic Hope follows a tiny global movement of unpopular pro-nuclear activists, who strongly believe we need nuclear power in order to decarbonize our energy systems and avoid calamitous climate change. Filmed over a ten-year period, these advocates for nuclear energy come from all over the world. Their opponents cite nuclear meltdowns, extortionate construction costs, radiation fears and nuclear waste as indisputable reasons to reject this technology. The pro-nuclear crew take on these arguments urging scientists, citizens and policy makers to take a sober look at the science, halt the mass closure of nuclear power plants and fully reconsider nuclear energy as a viable solution to imminent catastrophe.

Notes by Sunniva O’Flynn

The screening will be followed by an in-depth discussion of Nuclear Power and its role in the international and Irish energy landscape hosted by John Gibbons with contributions from the film’s protagonists Jim Smith and Madi Hilly and from Green Party TD Brian Leddin, Sarah Cullen (18for0) and Sadhbh O’Neill.

Screening as part of the IFI Documentary Festival 2022, September 21st to 25th.