Jimmy's Hall tells the true story of political activist Jimmy Gralton (played here by Barry Ward), a communist who dared to defy the establishment when he returned to his native Ireland from New York in 1921, and set up a free-thinking village dance hall on a rural crossroads, much to the chagrin of the Catholic Church.

In an unlikely turn of events, studio giants Pixar helped Loach complete the film by sending over their entire stock of edge-numbering tape, required for editing, and it could well be the last ever feature film made in the traditional way (that is, shot on film and edited on film).

In this very special event, Loach presents the film and takes questions from the audience. What follows is a moving and frank discussion of community, politics, spaces for free thought and discussion, Ireland and the Catholic Church. One audience member even asks Loach not to end his career!

Jimmy's Hall is playing at Watershed until Thu 12 June, 2014. Book tickets here.

 

Posted on Mon 2 June 2014.

---