New documentary on Mary Robinson to be released in August

Break Out Pictures has announced that it will release its new documentary, Mrs Robinson, in cinemas nationwide from August 23rd, including the IMC in Ballina.

The documentary tells the remarkable story of former President of Ireland and United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson. The Ballina native recounts, in her own words for the very first time, her life story, illuminating battles for justice and equality over half a century - on the streets, in the courts, at the ballot box, and in backroom corridors of power. The film will go on general release across Ireland on August 23rd.

A reforming constitutional lawyer and senator in her early career, Mary Robinson detonated an electoral earthquake by winning the Irish presidential election in 1990. Later, as a crusading UN High Commissioner, she built a lasting legacy, fearlessly challenging perpetrators of human rights abuses all over the world.

To this day, she exerts power and leadership as the Chair of The Elders, the independent group of global leaders (founded by Nelson Mandela) who work for peace, justice and human rights. As an influential global voice, Mary Robinson is also spearheading Project Dandelion: a women-led climate justice campaign.

Speaking on the upcoming release, Mary commented: “It was fantastic to work with director Aoife Kelleher and the entire film-making team on this documentary. It is dedicated to Bride Rosney, who persuaded me to do it. I hope it will inspire many young people, and women, in particular, to reach their full potential."

Mrs Robinson was directed by Aoife Kelleher and produced by Cormac Hargaden and Trisha Canning for Loosehorse. Executive producers on the film include Pat Mitchell (co-founder of Project Dandelion), Geralyn Dreyfous, Lyn Lear, Regina K. Scully, Ruth Ann Harnisch and Melony Lewis. The film was funded by Fís Éireann /Screen Ireland and the Fiscal Sponsorship programme of the Utah Film Center.

Bono and Irish singer songwriters Gemma Doherty and Morgan MacIntyre (Saint Sister) contributed a specially recorded song to the film’s soundtrack, Women Of The World.