Directed by Brendan Culleton and Irina Maldea PG cert, Access Cinema, 91 min
FOR REASONS that hardly need to be stated, this is an appropriate time to release a documentary concerning the United Nations’ intervention in a convoluted African civil war. Brendan Culleton and Irina Maldea’s fascinating film focuses on the experiences – much discussed at the time, now unforgivably obscured – of Irish soldiers in the Congolese disturbances of 1961.
In that year, the province of Katanga sought to break away from the newly independent Congo. The UN sent in a body of peacekeeping troops, who quickly found themselves in conflict with secessionist soldiers and largely white mercenaries.
The film is mostly concerned with the experiences of ordinary men on the ground. Time is, however, found to closely examine the crucial role of Conor Cruise O’Brien. Viewers familiar only with the older Cruiser will marvel at the vigorous, plumby diplomat – then UN special representative – as, in archive footage, he bravely and forcefully puts the case for sanity.
But it is the first-hand accounts from the soldiers that give An Irish Affair its impressive poignancy. In truth, the documentary is not hugely imaginative in its presentation. Vintage newsreel excerpts punctuate contemporary talking heads filmed before strategically placed pieces of military equipment.
However, the honesty and integrity of the soldiers’ testimonials make for compulsive viewing. Unlike the Americans or the British, we are not used to hearing our own soldiers detailing gruesome experiences in international conflict. That is, one supposes, no bad thing.
Congo: An Irish Affairscreens Monday at the Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co Wicklow. It will also show at the Athlone Film Club, Co Westmeath on September 20st; the Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Co Wicklow on September 21st; and the Dumaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, Co Laois on September 30. See accesscinema.ie
