OMAGH FILM LAUNCHES NEW YORK FESTIVAL
Omagh film launches New York festival
By Graeme Neill
Tyrone Correspondent
AN award-winning dramatisation of the Omagh bombing has opened a film festival on the theme of human rights in New York. Omagh, which was co-written by Bloody Sunday director Paul Greengrass, was selected by organisers Human Rights Watch because "it was one of the strongest dramatic films we have seen".
Festival director Bruni Burres said the film depicted a "continuing and universal human rights issue".
"It was wonderfully directed and acted and really brought to the forefront difficult questions that many individuals in different countries face," she said.
The film dramatises the Real IRA bombing and its aftermath in the Co Tyrone town on 15 August 1998, which killed 29 people and two unborn children.
Omagh actor Gerard McSorley stars as the victims' campaigner Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aiden was killed in the blast.
Mr Gallagher was a guest at last night's benefit screening, which opened the two-week festival.
"I think the film works because it is about people and how they are changed by what happens in their country," Ms Burres said.
"It also shows how political decisions are made by governments, ie if violence erupts, why the government decides not to risk things for 'the greater good".
"The film also shows people who may not have any political inclinations before something happens but then are moved to do something."
The festival also features movie; from Colombia, Serbia/Montenegro and Holland.
By Graeme Neill
Tyrone Correspondent
AN award-winning dramatisation of the Omagh bombing has opened a film festival on the theme of human rights in New York. Omagh, which was co-written by Bloody Sunday director Paul Greengrass, was selected by organisers Human Rights Watch because "it was one of the strongest dramatic films we have seen".
Festival director Bruni Burres said the film depicted a "continuing and universal human rights issue".
"It was wonderfully directed and acted and really brought to the forefront difficult questions that many individuals in different countries face," she said.
The film dramatises the Real IRA bombing and its aftermath in the Co Tyrone town on 15 August 1998, which killed 29 people and two unborn children.
Omagh actor Gerard McSorley stars as the victims' campaigner Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aiden was killed in the blast.
Mr Gallagher was a guest at last night's benefit screening, which opened the two-week festival.
"I think the film works because it is about people and how they are changed by what happens in their country," Ms Burres said.
"It also shows how political decisions are made by governments, ie if violence erupts, why the government decides not to risk things for 'the greater good".
"The film also shows people who may not have any political inclinations before something happens but then are moved to do something."
The festival also features movie; from Colombia, Serbia/Montenegro and Holland.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0744
Published Date: 10-Jun-05
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