YOUNG PLATO
5PM SUN 18TH JUNE
An inspiring story that charts the dream of Elvis-loving school headmaster Kevin McArevey -- a maverick who is determined to change the fortunes of an inner-city community plagued by urban decay, sectarian aggression, poverty and drugs.
The all-boys primary school in post-conflict Belfast, Northern Ireland, becomes a hothouse for questioning violence, as the headmaster sends his young wards home each day armed with the wisdom of the ancient Greek philosophers. The boys challenge their parents and neighbors to forsake the prejudice that has kept this low-level civil war on the boil for decades. YOUNG PLATO hums with the confidence of youth, a tribute to the power of the possible – and restoring hope in the heart of a battered community.
Press
“...brought back happy memories of Nicolas Philibert’s classic Etre et Avoir.” “This is an open and good-natured film, with some great set-piece scenes with poignant closeups on kids’ faces as they ponder why they are so angry and what can be done about it.” “A very engaging film.”
THE GUARDIAN
“...heartening to witness. Encouraging children to avoid conflict has a particular relevance in Belfast, of course, but I’d be happy to see McArevey’s methods used in schools everywhere.”
SUNDAY TIMES
“By the time McArevey drives home from work to the sounds of Presley’s ‘If I Can Dream’, there is unlikely to be a dry eye in the house”.
SCREEN DAILY
Credit
Directors: Declan McGrath & Neasa Ni Chianain
2021 Ireland
1 HOUR 42 MINUTES
English (subtitles)
PRESENTED BY
