#IrishFilm: Vibrant new documentary Faithful Rising to premiere in Offaly this week

Faithful Rising, the story of two young Offaly men who fought in Dublin during Easter Week 1916 will hit the big screen this week.

The film is landmark documentary presented by Tullamore born historian Paul Rouse, that focuses on the role played by Tullamore native Peadar Bracken and Birr man Éamonn Bulfin (who raised the Irish Republic flag above the GPO) during that fateful week, 100 years ago.

One of the key commemorative events of Offaly 2016, Faithful Rising uses previously unseen family archive material, mixed with vibrant graphic novel-style illustrations to bring their stories to life. Expert historians and descendants of the Bracken and Bulfin families also contribute to make this documentary compelling viewing.

Speaking ahead of the event this Friday, one of the directors Gary Hoctor said:

We knew this film was a very challenging undertaking when we pitched the idea to Offaly 2016 a year ago, but thanks to the talented team of people we brought together and the support of the Peadar and Éamonn’s descendants, Hello Camera is extremely proud of the result. We’re delighted that the Bracken and Bulfin families, our presenter, Paul Rouse, and the artist who created the stunning illustrations, Eoin Coveney, are all going to join us for this special evening.

Chairperson of the Offaly 2016 Commemorative Committee, Cllr. Sinéad Dooley said

We were really impressed by the proposal from Hello Camera to capture this 100 year old unique story of two brave Offaly men during the Rising? their story has a national and international element which makes it much more than just a local story. This is one of the flagship projects of Offaly’s centenary programme and we are delighted to have been in a position to significantly fund it.

The screening will be preceded by a drinks reception and followed by a short Q & A with directors Miriam Smyth and Gary Hoctor, on Friday April 29th, at 8pm (Drinks reception 7.30pm). Tickets are €12 and are availbel via www.birrtheatre.com or the box office (057) 9122911.

https://vimeo.com/162366114