Bobby Sands: 66 Days

Bobby Sands 66 Days

Bobby Sands: 66 Days is a 2016 documentary film directed by Brendan J. Byrne. The film chronicles the life of Bobby Sands, a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) who led the 1981 Irish hunger strike in the Maze Prison (also known as Long Kesh) in Northern Ireland. The documentary focuses on the 66 days Sands spent on hunger strike before his death on May 5, 1981.

Synopsis

The film provides an in-depth look at the political and personal motivations behind Bobby Sands' decision to go on hunger strike. It explores the historical context of the Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted from the late 1960s to 1998. The documentary uses a combination of archival footage, interviews, and dramatizations to tell the story of Sands' life and the impact of his protest.

Background

Bobby Sands was born in Rathcoole, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, in 1954. He joined the IRA in the early 1970s and was imprisoned for his involvement in the armed struggle against British rule in Northern Ireland. Sands was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Fermanagh and South Tyrone during his hunger strike, which brought international attention to the plight of Irish republican prisoners.

Production

The documentary was produced by Trevor Birney and Brendan J. Byrne under the banner of Fine Point Films. The film features contributions from historians, political analysts, and former prisoners who provide insights into the significance of Sands' hunger strike and its lasting impact on the peace process in Northern Ireland.

Reception

Bobby Sands: 66 Days received critical acclaim for its balanced portrayal of a highly contentious period in Irish history. The film was praised for its meticulous research and compelling narrative. It was screened at several international film festivals and received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.

Legacy

The documentary has contributed to a renewed interest in the life and legacy of Bobby Sands. It has been used as an educational tool to discuss the complexities of the Northern Ireland conflict and the role of political protest in effecting change. Sands' hunger strike remains a powerful symbol of resistance and has inspired numerous works of art, literature, and film.

See also

• The Troubles
• Provisional Irish Republican Army
• 1981 Irish hunger strike
• Maze Prison
• Bobby Sands

External links

Bobby Sands: 66 Days at IMDb