PRESS RELEASE - 5th SEPT, 2007
LOCAL DOCUMENTARY SELECTED FOR PRIX EUROPA

The feature documentary `Bloody Sunday-A Derry Diary’ which was screened on RTÉ on 6 February 2007 has been selected for competition in the prestigious Prix Europa in the category for television documentary. Reflecting the complete spectrum of European television, radio and internet production, the Prix Europa has become the most important festival/awards event of its kind since being founded in 1987 by the European Cultural Foundation and the Council of Europe. `Bloody Sunday-A Derry Diary’ was shortlisted from a field of 671 entries from 36 European countries for the event in Berlin from 14 to 19 October 2007.

Bloody Sunday in Derry has been covered countless times by journalists from throughout the world. This documentary is different in that it is the first account by a local director who was herself an eye witness to that tragic day. On 30th January 1972 the British Army shot dead thirteen unarmed civilians taking part in a civil rights march to the town centre. At the subsequent Tribunal of Inquiry Lord Chief Justice Widgery exonerated the soldiers and blighted the reputation of those who were killed and wounded by describing them as gunmen and bombers. In 1998, in a move that was widely seen as significant in sealing the Northern Ireland peace process, Prime Minister Tony Blair announced a new Tribunal of Inquiry to be led by Lord Saville of Newdigate.

This highly personal documentary by Derry based Margo Harkin follows the long search for the truth at the second Inquiry held in Derry and London over a period of six years. We are introduced to the stories of the people whose lives have been dramatically changed as a result of Bloody Sunday and hear many new eye witness accounts by families and friends of the dead and those wounded on the day. Banty Nash and Linda Roddy in particular reveal the raw pain still suffered today by their family after their 19 year old brother William Nash was shot dead by British Army paratroopers.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the newly discovered archive footage uncovered during the course of the Inquiry. Derry journalist and campaigner Eamonn McCann interprets the complicated evidence by the main players from both sides. Key witness, Bishop Edward Daly, gives us his account of the tragic events and describes how he did his best to aid the wounded and dying. When called to give evidence to the Inquiry the filmmaker, Margo Harkin, documents her own dilemma over the potential impact of revealing all of her evidence.

The publication of the Bloody Sunday Report is expected in late 2007 or early 2008. The filmmaker will record a final interview with the families after the publication of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry Report. A further broadcast on RTÉ is anticipated on final completion.

The film has been financed by RTÉ, ZDF/Arte, the Irish Film Board/ Bord Scánnan na hÉireann and Northern Irish Screen.

“It took great dedication on the part of Margo Harkin and her team, and the Derry families, to see this documentary through. This nomination is a tremendous affirmation of all the commitment and passion involved,” said RTE Factual commissioning editor, Kevin Dawson.

Richard Williams, CEO Northern Ireland Screen states: “This is well-deserved recognition for Margo and her team. Bloody Sunday - A Derry Diary is a powerful testament to a difficult period in our history and a great example of courageous documentary-making.”