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The 8th

Impassioned and urgent documentary tracing the dramatic story of Irish women and their fight to overturn one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the world.

Documentary 2021 95 mins

Director: Aideen Kane, Lucy Kennedy and Maeve O'Boyle

Watch trailer Rent for £3.50

Overview

The 8th traces Ireland's campaign to remove the 8th Amendment - a constitutional ban on abortion. It shows a country's transformation from a conservative state in thrall to the Catholic church to a more liberal secular society, and how after a 35-year struggle the pro-choice side have radically shifted tactics to try to bring an historically conservative electorate over the line.

Including voices from both sides of the debate, the film focuses on the dynamic female leaders of the pro-choice campaign, following veteran campaigner Ailbhe Smyth and self-described glitter-activist Andrea Horan as they chart a bold strategy of grassroots activism and engineer the impossible. This dramatic story is underscored by a vivid exploration of the wrenching failures that led to this defining moment in Irish history. An urgent narrative, a cautionary tale and a roadmap for progressive reforms in a modern era where authoritarianism is on the rise, The 8th shows a country forging a new progressive path at a time when reproductive rights are threatened around the world.

Director

Aideen Kane , Lucy Kennedy and Maeve O'Boyle

Genres

Documentary

Certificate

abortion theme, sexual violence references, infrequent strong language

Country

Ireland

Language

English

Accessibility

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