YOUNG PLATO

Dir. Neasa Ní Chianáin, Declan McGrath | Clin d’oeil films, Aisling Productions, Zadig Productions | 2021, Northern Ireland, Ireland, France, Belgium | 102 min

In an area on the outskirts of the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast that has seen decades of attacks, unrest and segregation of communities, a primary school Headmaster helps change the views of his pupils and their parents with the help of philosophy. An inspirational example of how to overcome challenges, perpetuate good and help children create a more humane world.

For some 30 years in the 20th century there was a bloody conflict in Northern Ireland between Protestants who wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK, and nationalistically minded Catholics who pushed for Northern Ireland to join Ireland. The conflict subsided in 1998 when the Good Friday Agreement, on how Northern Ireland should be governed, was reached. In 2021 after Brexit, however, the conflict has again escalated.