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Branagh: bringing Belfast home

New film Belfast is Sir Kenneth Branagh’s account of his childhood in the early years of the Troubles. Tipped for Oscar glory and now released here, we speak to the man behind it.

New film Belfast sees Sir Kenneth Branagh return to the city of his childhood. It is an autobiographical exploration of the value of family life in the face of the gathering storm that became the Troubles - one which led to him leaving the city.

Sir Kenneth became a household name while still in his 20s for his acclaimed work as an actor and director who breathed new life into the plays of Shakespeare. Later, he spread his wings as a writer and director of feature films. By his own admission, he has come a long way from Belfast - yet his new film sees him return to his formative years in the city with the meticulous monochrome recreation of the tightly-packed streets he knew so well. The film’s cast includes Dame Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Ciaran Hinds, Catriona Balfe and newcomer Jude Hill.

Sir Kenneth talks at length about his new film - what drove him to write it, working with the actors and even his refusal to water down the Belfast accent for international distribution. He also discusses his own childhood experiences of being caught up in rioting as both bystander and participant, his parents’ zest for life and how leaving the city left a deep mark on him.

29 minutes

Last on

Wed 26 Jan 2022 23:15

Clip

Credits

Role Contributor
Producer Johnny Muir
Executive Producer Nicola Alexander

Broadcasts

  • Tue 25 Jan 2022 22:35
  • Wed 26 Jan 2022 23:15

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