A story of grassroots activism engineering change
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.
The 8th includes voices from both sides of the debate, but its primary focus is on the dynamic female leaders of the pro-choice campaign. The film follows the 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 when reproductive rights are threatened all over the world.
The 8th Screenings
Cleveland International Film Festival – CIFF 45
Apr 7-20
Leeds Young Film Festival & Indis Festival
Mar 29 – Apr 11
The Team
Aideen Kane
Lucy Kennedy
Maeve O’Boyle
Alan Maher
Made with the generous support of:

Press
UK Press - Sarah Harvey
sarah@sarahharveypublicity.co.uk
Irish Press - Nell Roddy
nell@breakoutpictures.com
Sales
ro*co films
Cristine Platt Dewey
cristine.platt.dewey@rocofilms.com