Young Plato

Synopsis

An observational documentary set in post-conflict Belfast’s Ardoyne, where a marginalized, working class community has for generations been plagued by poverty, drugs and guns. This film charts the dream of Headmaster Kevin McArevey and his dedicated, visionary team illustrating how critical thinking and pastoral care can empower and encourage children to see beyond the boundaries and limitations of their own community. We see how philosophy encourages young boys to question the mythologies of war and of violence, and sometimes challenge the narratives their parents, peers and socio-economic group would dictate.

Awards

IFTA Award for Best Feature Documentary
International Competition Special Jury Award at Thessaloniki FF
Best Film award from the Regional Jury of One World Human Rights Documentary Festival
Documentary Honourable Mention Greenwich International Festival
Zwierciadło Award for the Best Film on Psychology, Milennium Docs Against Gravity (Poland)
Lower Silesia Grand Prix Award from the City of Wroclaw, Milennium Docs Against Gravity (Poland)
Cleveland International film festival 2022 – Nominee
Winner DocEdge Award for Best Through Teneration category – Documentary Edge Festival 2022
Winner Programmers Choice Award Special Mention – Encounters South African International Documentary Festival, South Africa

Credits

Writers
Etienne Essery
Neasa Ni Chianain
Declan McGrath
Directors
Neasa Ni Chianain
Declan McGrath
Editor
Philippe Ravoet
Producer
David Rane, Soilsiu Films
Co-producers
Hanne Phlypo, Clin d’oeil films
Aisling Productions
Zadig Productions
International Sales Agent
Autlook Filmsales

Partners

Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland
RTBF
NI Screen
Yle
VPRO
RTS
BBC Northern Ireland
BBC Storyville
ARTE
AJD
CANVAS
Flanders Audiovisual Fund
Shelter Prod
Eurimages