Young Plato

An observational documentary set in a primary school in Belfast’s Ardoyne, where a marginalized community has for generations been plagued by poverty, drugs and guns. This film charts the dream of pioneering Headmaster Kevin McArevey of the Holy Cross Boys School to show how critical thinking and pastoral care can empower and encourage children to see beyond the boundaries and limitations of their own lives. We see how philosophy can encourage them to question the mythologies of war and of violence, sometimes challenging the narratives that they have grown up with and equipping them with new ways of negotiating with their peers. (Irish Film Institute)

Director's Filmography (Selection)
Young Plato (2021, doc) - A Woman's Place (2018, mid-length TV doc, McGrath) - Lomax in Éirinn (2018, mid-length TV doc, McGrath) - In Loco Parentis (aka School Life, 2016, doc, Ní Chianáin, co-directed with David Rane) - The Stranger (2014) - Fairytale of Kathmandu (2007, doc, Ní Chianáin)
European Panorama Documentary · Crossing Europe VOD 2022
Neasa Ní Chianáin, Declan McGrath
Ireland / Great Britain / France / Belgium 2021
color
102 minutes
English
OV with English subtitles
Screenplay Neasa Ní Chianáin, Etienne Essery, Declan McGrath
Cinematography Neasa Ní Chianáin
Editing Philippe Ravoet
Sound/Sounddesign Reto Stamm, Frédéric Hamelin
Music David Poltrock
Producer(s) David Rane, Hanne Phlypo, Jackie Doyle, Céline Nusse, Declan Mc Grath
Production
Soilsiu Films, Aisling Productions, Clin d’Oeil Films, Zadig Productions
World Sales
Autlook Filmsales
Austrian Premiere
World Premiere
DOC NYC 2021

Crossing Europe VOD Streaming Service
2.5. - 2.6.2022, online
at KINO VOD CLUB.
Details about the VOD Program