The Siege of Jadotville © Netflix/Parallel Films
The Siege of Jadotville - Director Richie Smyth

#IrishFilm: Four new images from Richie Smyth’s The Siege of Jadotville

Netflix has released 4 new images for Richie Smyth’s forthcoming feature The Siege of Jadotville. The images depict Irish actors Jamie Dornan and Jason O’Mara in action in the battle-based drama.

A gripping true story of incredible bravery against impossible odds, The Siege of Jadotville thrillingly depicts the 1961 siege of a 150-strong Irish UN battalion under Commander Patrick Quinlan (Jamie Dornan) by 3,000 Congolese troops led by French and Belgian mercenaries working for mining companies. Guillaume Canet plays a French commander who sought to defeat Quinlan and his men.

In addition to Dornan and O’Mara, the film stars Emmanuelle Seigner, Mikael Persbrandt, and Mark Strong.

Directed by Smyth, a well-known Irish commercial and music video director, and written by Kevin Brodbin (Constantine), The Siege of Jadotville is based on the novel ‘The Siege at Jadotville: The Irish Army’s Forgotten Battle‘ by Declan Power. The film is an Irish-South African co-production, with Alan Moloney (Byzantium) producing for Parallel Films, and with financing coming from Bord Scannan na hEireann/the Irish Film Board.

Speaking on the film Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said:

The story of how Pat Quinlan led his troops against an overwhelming force without losing a single man is one of the great stories of the 20th century, and we are proud to be working with such a talented and committed team to bring it to life. This film will be an amazing addition to our global original films initiative.

Producer Alan Moloney added:

As filmmakers, we are constantly looking for new ways to bring a movie to the largest possible audience. Netflix has already reinvented the TV market and is now moving front and centre into the film business. We are proud and excited to be part of their story and innovation

The Siege of Jadotville, which will premiere globally to over 81 million members on Netflix later this year, will be screened at special screening at the Galway Film Fleadh on Saturday, July 9th.