Film recalls Irishmen’s bravery during 1961 Congo siege

The Siege of Jadotville, which will premiere globally to over 81 million members of Netflix later this year, will have a special screening at the Galway Film Fleadh this Saturday, July 9.

It’s the epic story of how 150-strong Irish battalion, serving with the UN peacekeeping forces in the Congo in 1961, was attacked and initially fought off a much stronger force of mercenaries, in the pay of mining companies in the area.

Commandant Patrick Quinlan and his troops were protecting local people from Katangan militia and mercenaries when they were attacked by 3,000 Congolese troops, led by French and Belgian mercenaries. Northern Ireland’s Jamie Dornan plays Patrick Quinlan, while French actor Guillaume Canet plays a French commander who sought to rout the Irish.

This gripping, true story of incredible bravery against impossible odds is directed by Richie Smyth, who has directed music videos for U2, Bon Jovi, and The Verve. It us written by Kevin Brodbin (Constantine).

The film is based on the novel The Siege at Jadotville: The Irish Army’s Forgotten Battle by Declan Power.

A co-production between Ireland and South Africa, it will be screened at 8pm this Saturday night.

For more information on this year’s Fleadh, check galwayfilmfleadh.com.