Festival Director, Seán Murray
A fascinating documentary which traces the roots of the western governments use of torture is set to feature as part of the Respect Human Rights Film Festival which takes place in Belfast this weekend.
‘Eminent Monsters’ which is directed by Stephen Bennett includes extraordinary first-hand testimony from those who have experienced the physical and mental effects of torture including the ‘Hooded Men’. It will be screened on Sunday evening in An Cultúrlann.
This screening comes at the time of a recent decision by the Court of Appeal which ordered a criminal investigation into the treatment of the Hooded Men. The Court of Appeal confirmed that the abuse these men faced in 1971 would be characterised as torture, if it was used today.
Following the screening, a Q&A session will be chaired by Festival Director Seán Murray and will include two of the Hooded Men, Liam Shannon and Francis McGuigan in what will be a poignant and revealing talk.
Respect Human Rights Film Festival will take place in venues across Belfast between 4-6 October. More information and tickets are available at https://www.respectfilmfest.com/.
Speaking ahead of this screening, Festival Director Seán Murray said:
“I am thrilled that Eminent Monsters will screen as part of Respect Human Rights Film Festival this weekend.
“This is a truly enthralling and revealing documentary which gets to the heart of human rights abuses which some in our society have faced. The success of the festival thus far demonstrates the increasing demand for festivals like this that empower, educate and advocate for those without a voice.
“I am particularly thankful that two of the Hooded Men, Liam Shannon and Francis McGuigan will share their powerful testimony at the festival.”