UK Preview Screening – We Only Want the Earth: The Life & Ideas of James Connolly

Featuring the actor Stephen Rea

James Connolly remains an iconic figure in Irish socialism, republicanism, and the trade union movement. We Only Want the Earth draws directly from his own writings to create a vivid portrait of the man behind the ideals, situating his radical politics and many achievements within the struggles of today’s world. The film also documents Connolly’s central role in the 1916 Easter Rising, offering new insight into the political and cultural forces that shaped him.

Featuring contributions from distinguished historians, union activists, and cultural commentators, the film is enriched with performances of songs and poems by leading contemporary artists — including Christy Moore, Stephen Rea, piper David Power, singers Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin and Esosa Ighodaro, and Connolly’s great-great-granddaughter Tamsin Iona Connolly Heron.

In an era when democracy itself appears under threat, this compelling documentary reclaims Connolly’s story and reasserts his urgent social vision for the modern age.

Special Feature: Screening followed by a live Q&A with Writer & Director Alan Gilsenan and former President of Ireland’s largest trade union, SIPTU – Des Geraghty.