New film about Fr Des Wilson tonight

A new film about one of Belfast’s most loved peacemakers is to be screened tonight (Thursday).

Docs Ireland is to host a special screening of Fr Des – The Way He Saw It on Thursday as part of Féile an Phobail.

The documentary by Vincent Kinnaird focuses on the life of West Belfast priest, the late Fr Des Wilson.

Pioneering

The film looks at the pioneering work of Fr Des in community, education and peace-making, and is narrated by Belfast born actor, Stephen Rea.

The film is primarily recounted in Fr Des’ own words, featuring interviews taken between 2011-2018, alongside earlier footage.

It includes contributions from Stephen Rea, Rev. Brian Smeaton, a Church of Ireland minister on the Shankill Road in 1969, Eilish Rooney, a senior figure in the Transitional Justice Institute at Ulster University and Bernadette McAliskey, a civil rights activist and former MP.

Affectionately known as ‘the people’s priest’, Fr Des spent his life helping those in need, particularly during the Troubles.

He continued to advocate for justice and against inequality until the end of his life in November 2019.

The documentary will be screened tonight (Thursday) at 7pm at the Odeon in Belfast. Further information is available at docsireland.ie