Young Plato, a new documentary about how philosophy is changing lives at Belfast Primary School is in cinemas now
Date Posted: March 11, 2022
A Primary School in Belfast’s Ardoyne housing estates invokes the wisdom of the ancient Greek philosophers to fight poverty, drug dealers and the IRA–restoring hope in the heart of a battered community. Young Plato is in cinemas across Ireland and the UK from today (Friday 11th March). Directed by Neasa Ní Chianáin and Declan McGrath (Lomax in Éirinn) Young Plato was made with funding from Northern Ireland Screen.
Set in post-conflict Belfast’s Ardoyne, where a marginalised, working-class community has for generations been plagued by poverty, drugs and guns. This film charts the dream of Headmaster Kevin McArevey and his dedicated, visionary team illustrating how critical thinking and pastoral care can empower and encourage children to see beyond the boundaries and limitations of their own community. We see how philosophy can encourage them to question the mythologies of war and of violence, and sometimes challenge the narratives their parents, peers and socio-economic group would dictate.
Winner of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties Human Rights on Film Award at The Dublin International Film Festival, the film shows viewers how the lives of McArevey’s 430 pupils are being quietly transformed by the wisdom of the ancient Greeks in the kind of one-in a lifetime turnaround that can turn around a whole town.
Addressing their trauma and their inherited trauma at its source, he and his philosophical teachings are a lifelong shield against the pessimism, violence, and despair that surround them.
Young Plato was produced by Soilsiú Films, Aisling Productions, Clin d’Oeil Films and Zadig Productions with funding from Northern Ireland Screen, Screen Ireland, Eurimages, BBC, ARTE, Creative Europe, RTBF, VPRO, RTE, YLE, RTS, VRT and Al Jazeera.
