Young Plato (2021)
by Neasa Ní Chianáin
An observational documentary set in post conflict Belfast’s Ardoyne, where a marginalized, working class community has for generations been plagued by poverty, drugs and guns. This film charts the dream of Headmaster Kevin McArevey and his dedicated, visionary team illustrating how critical thinking and pastoral care can empower and encourage children to see beyond the boundaries and limitations of their own community. We see how philosophy can encourage them to question the mythologies of war and of violence, and sometimes challenge the narratives their parents, peers and socio-economic group would dictate.
WATCH THE TRAILER BELOW:
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Neasa Ní Chianáin is a documentary film director and writer. Her films have been screened on television channels all over the world, and have won awards at many international film festivals. Neasa is also the cofounder of Guth Gafa International Documentary Film Festival in 2006, and has been programming the festival and sharing the role of Festival Director with David Rane, since 2008.
Neasa trained at the National College of Art & Design in Dublin, and worked as a freelance Art Director on Irish feature film and television projects, such as ‘All Soul’s Day’, Angela’s Ashes’, ‘A Love Divided’ and the BBC series, ‘Rebel Heart’.
Neasa recently completed production on 'Young Plato', a feature documentary funded by Screen Ireland, BBC, ARTE, Eurimages, Northern Ireland Screen and many other funds. The film has been screened at over 50 film festivals worldwide, won 12 Irish and International awards, and has sold to more than 15 broadcast channels around the world. 'Young Plato' was released theatrically in the USA and UK, and qualified for the Oscars and the BAFTAs, and has been nominated for the prestigious IDA and BIFA awards.
Neasa is currently in final post-production on a new documentary, 'The Alexander Complex', funded by Screen Ireland, Blue Ice and Irish Sec 481 tax credit, and is writing her first Irish language feature film, Huaidí Dan agus Maisie.
This event is made possible by the Consulate General of Ireland in Atlanta
