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Director
Cathal Black
Credits
Producer: Cathal Black.
Principal Cast
Archie O'Sullivan, Mick Lally, Ciarán Hinds, Paul Connolly, John Costello
Category
ShortFirst Wave
Politically and technically bold, this short docu-drama from Cathal Black fuses dramatisation, interviews, and archive footage in an exposé of the culture of fear and brutality that defined the regime in educational institutions run by the Christian Brothers. The narrative highlights one boy's experience, with his family’s reaction interwoven with interviews with former students and teachers. Unlike more recent films depicting clerical abuse, the film does not use melodrama but instead creates a haunting atmosphere through the chilling resonances that echo between fact and re-creation. The impact of an oppressive and powerful influence of Church and State on Irish society can be seen not only in the film but in its history: completed in 1982, Our Boys was not broadcast by its sponsors RTÉ until 1991.
42 minutes, Ireland, 1981, B&W
BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD BLACKBERRY 12:00, 17:50
KIDNAPPED 19:00
LOVE LIES BLEEDING 14:20, 16:40
PERFECT DAYS 12:45
THAT THEY MAY FACE THE RISING SUN 12.20, 14.40, 17.00, 19.20
THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE 20.10
WORLD CINEMA PROJECT: THE HOUSEMAID 15.30
The IFI is supported by The Arts Council