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
Luxemburg City Film Festival, 2021
Mar 4- 14th
Capital Irish Film Festival, Washington, DC, 2021
Mar 4-14th
Athena Film Festival, New York, 2021
Mar 15-28
Human Rights Watch Film Festival, London 2021
UK Premiere March 18th-26th
The Team
Aideen Kane
Lucy Kennedy
Maeve O’Boyle
Alan Maher
Made with the generous support of:
