Protests over the planned screening of Jean-Luc Godard’s controversial film ‘Hail Mary’ in Galway.
Report shows how plans for a screening of Jean-Luc Godard’s ‘Hail Mary’ were met with opposition at University College Galway (UCG).
Determined to stop the film being shown, several prayer groups from around the country came together in Galway and mounted a protest at the college entrance. They argued that ‘Hail Mary’ is blaspehmous.
The UCG Film Society was equally determined for the Irish premiere of the film to go ahead. As a result of the opposition, the UCG authorities announced that the screening would not be allowed to take place.
Joe McMahon, Secretary of the Film Society issued a statement expressing fears for the consequences this decision could have for academic freedom.
Interview with English lecturer, Dr Pat Sheeran who describes the decision of the college authorities as,
an act of moral and intellectual cowardice.
Interview with filmmaker Bob Quinn who is horrified that a university should prevent the showing of a film in a place that is supposed to be the preserver of free speech.
Heated exchanges took place between those for and against the screening.
Those in opposition engaged in vigils of prayer and song at the college gates.
Interviews with those opposed to the screening of the film.
It was later announced that there would be a private showing of the film at the home of a college lecturer.
The reporter is Jim Fahy.
