Exodus (with Introduction + Panel Discussion)Exodus (with Introduction + Panel Discussion)

This screening will be introduced by director John Peto and will be followed by a panel discussion.

Exodus is a 2008 BBC Northern Ireland documentary produced and directed by John Peto and the late Vinny Cunningham of Open Reel Productions. The film charts the decline of the Protestant population in Derry’s Cityside in the wake of the events of 1969, which saw up to one in five of the city’s population leave their homes over a 30-year period. The film tells the stories of families who left their homes during these years, some of the worst of the Troubles. The programme also hears from some of those who chose to stay.

In addition to the personal stories of the city’s Protestant population, Exodus features contributions from figures including Gregory Campbell MP, journalist and civil rights activist Eamonn McCann, former mayors Jack Allen (Ulster Unionist Mayor, 1974–1975) and John Tierney (SDLP Mayor, 1984–1985), and Bishop James Mehaffey.

When it was made almost 20 years ago, the film told a story that had been largely overlooked by the mainstream media. This screening at the New Gate Arts & Cultural Centre offers an opportunity to revisit the film, explore how it fits into the wider narrative of research and projects that have focused on the exodus since, and hear from some of those involved in the original production.