The intense, aggressive and expressive sport of roller derby is one that’s seen increasing popularity in recent years, with a burgeoning scene in Ireland among young women looking for an outlet. Irish roller derby is the subject of Revolutions, a documentary by Irish director Laura McGann, which was shown last year at the Galway Film Fleadh. This June, the film will have a wider release across Ireland, and the Irish Film Institute will be hosting a special opening night screening to mark the occasion.
Revolutions will be released in Irish cinemas from 30th June with two special screenings taking place in Dublin and Cork over the opening weekend.
The IFI will host a special opening night screening (with Q&A) on Friday 30th June at 6.15pm while the Triskel Christchurch in Cork will kick off their release of the film with a special screening (with Q&A) on Sunday 2nd July.
Revolutions introduces the exciting, sometimes aggressive, world of women’s roller derby and follows a number of Irish women over four years as they commit to this gruelling sport with the determination to meet the physical and mental challenges they encounter. The sport becomes a haven for these women and a means for self-expression, a fight to be fought, and, above all, a team that needs them.
Firm friendships are struck, clubs are formed, national teams meet and vie for supremacy, and the first-ever Irish national team travels to compete at the Roller Derby World Cup. But rivalries emerge within the team, the coach’s rule is subverted and off-rink demands of work and family increasingly challenge the women’s commitment.
Shot and directed by Laura McGann, Revolutions was produced by Ross Whitaker for True Films.
Tickets for the IFI opening night screening (with Q&A) on Friday 30th June can be purchased on the IFI website here
For any Cork natives that may be reading, Tickets for the screening in Triskel Christchurch in Cork on Sunday 2nd July will be available to purchase on the Triskel Arts Centre website.