Young Plato shortlisted for a Grierson Award
Date Posted: August 16, 2022
The Grierson Trust recently announced the shortlist for its 50th anniversary British Documentary Awards in association with All3Media. Neasa Ní Chianáin and Declan McGrath’s (Lomax in Éirinn) Young Plato has been shortlisted in the Best Cinema Documentary category.
Set in post-conflict Belfast’s Ardoyne, where a marginalised, working-class community has for generations been plagued by poverty, drugs and guns. Young Plato 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.
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.
Lorraine Heggessey, Chair of The Grierson Trust says: “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our awards this amazing array of films from around the world is the perfect way to highlight the pivotal role documentary plays in our cultural life. The varied and engaging shortlist represents some of the most outstanding and impactful factual programmes screened in the past 12 months and the dynamic creative talent that brought them to our screens.
“I’m also pleased that the 2022 presenter shortlist is our most diverse yet, demonstrating real change happening within the industry, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes as we work towards greater inclusivity and better representation of all sections of society. The Grierson Trust has long been committed to nurturing new talent and bringing fresh voices to factual programming.”
The 50th anniversary awards event will take place on Thursday 10th November at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall.
