Troubles Movie Wins Screen Accolade For NI

Images of the haunting guilt suffered by a terrorist which feature in a new movie shot in Northern Ireland have gained the film two major international screen accolades - even before it receives its UK and Irish premier.

'Five Minutes Of Heaven' tells the story of a 1975 murder and how it haunted both the killer and the victim's family.

Set during the 30 years of The Troubles in Northern Ireland and stars the internationally renowned actor, Co Antrim-born actor Liam Neeson (pictured) and Co Londonderry's James Nesbitt, it has just won two awards at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.

Director Oliver Hirschbiegel and scriptwriter Guy Hibbert were honoured in the World Cinema Category at the Independent Film Festival, just held in Utah.

'Five Minutes Of Heaven' is a fictionalised version of real, tragic events, telling the story of 17-year-old UVF member Alistair Little who murdered a 19-year-old Catholic, Jim Griffin, in Lurgan, Co Armagh.

The film tells the story of the aftermath of the 1975 murder, highlighting how Jim's killing was witnessed by his 11-year-old brother, Joe Griffin.

It chronicles the impact of Jim's death and how it destroyed his family, who could not come to terms with the loss.

It was shot last year, with filming at the end of May in Belfast and was the first time that Oscar-nominated Neeson and television star Nesbitt - best known for the 'Cold Feet' drama - have appeared together on screen.

The screenwriter, Guy Hibbert, has a proven track-record in retelling such stories. He was previously best known as the man who scripted the film 'Omagh', covering the events surrounding the Omagh bombing and the multiple deaths that were suffered in the Troubles' worse ever atrocity.

In the latest movie, he said that he had worked closely with both victim and perpetrator - scripting what might happen if they ever come face to face.

He had Nesbitt and Neeson create a fictional interpretation of what might happen and has paid a glowing tribute to the two subjects: "They collaborated with me for three years, relieving the most painful and defining moment of their lives."

Joe Griffin is played by James Nesbitt while the role of UVF killer Alistair, 30 years on, is played by Liam Neeson.

Initially a 'Big Fish/Ruby Films' production for BBC Northern Ireland, the film receives its UK and Irish premieres in Belfast and in Dublin next month.

(BMcC/JM)