Not only is it set to be one of the most fabulous Irish documentaries of all time, The Queen of Ireland - which looks at the rise of Panti Pandora Bliss from drag performer and self-proclaimed 'court jester' to accidental activist and national treasure - will also document one of the most remarkable social changes ever witnessed in Ireland.
Panti aka Rory O'Neill has become a figurehead for LGBT rights in Ireland and since the recent Pantigate controversy, his fight for equality and against homophobia has become recognised across the world, especially following Panti's Noble Call speech at the Abbey Theatre.
The Queen of Ireland follows Rory’s journey from the small Mayo town of Ballinrobe to striding the world stage. Filmed over a number of years, the documentary takes us behind the scenes with his alter ego Panti in the year she became the symbol of Ireland’s successful march towards Marriage Equality.
Directed by Conor Horgan, the film builds up a picture of the complex man behind the woman through behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with friends, peers and protégés, including Amnesty International Director Colm O’Gorman, Senator David Norris, Shirley Temple Bar, journalist Una Mullally and Rory's family.
Panti aka Rory O'Neill with Dad and Mum earlier this year
The Queen of Ireland opens in cinemas nationwide on Wednesday October 21.
Check out the trailer by clicking on the video or the link below.
Check out our exclusive trailer for @PantiBliss doc, The Queen of Ireland released in Oct #queenofireland #rte2 https://t.co/rJxyz8owgC
— RTÉ TEN (@RTE_TEN) September 25, 2015
