Legendary historian features in award-winning documentary

DUBLINERS will have a chance to see late, great Dublin historian Shane MacThomáis at his best when the much anticipated documentary

‘One Million Dubliners’ opens in city cinemas this weekend.

MacThomáis tragically took his own life while the film was being edited and director Aoife Kelleher and producer Rachel Lysaght decided it wouldn’t be complete without including footage of the funeral.

It was a decision that adds an extra layer of poignancy to a film that was already destined for success thanks to the onscreen presence of MacThomáis, the staff at Glasnevin Cemetery and visitors to what is Ireland’s largest necropolis.

Those visitors include schoolchildren enthralled by MacThomáis’s ghost story-telling, a French lady who became obsessed with Michael Collins after watching the Hollywood movie and a disabled fan of Luke Kelly, who likes to sing at his grave.

Underground Films has managed to produce a powerful documentary that examines an experience we’re all destined for, but seldom discuss, in a way that’s respectful, honest and at times, humorous.

MacThomáis is the film’s central character and throughout the 80 minutes the immensely engaging tour guide shepherds his charges – and viewers – through Glasnevin’s headstones and monuments, expressing his typically unique opinions and beliefs along the way.

The fact that the film’s shining light never got to see it may be tragic, but it gives those who never experienced the pleasure of a MacThomáis tour a glimpse of a charismatic character who captured the hearts and minds of thousands of Dubs.

It’s a point not lost on Lysaght, who got to know the film’s leading character during filming.

“Our world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh was an incredibly moving experience,

? she says.

“The response to the film has been overwhelming, and is testament to the powerful onscreen presence of Shane MacThomáis and the rest of the characters who populate Glasnevin Cemetery.

“Our goal was always to make this film for communal viewing, for a cinematic experience.

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One Million Dubliners won

‘Best Feature Documentary’ award at the Galway Fleadh, and has received excellent reviews from critics and those lucky enough to have seen private previews.
The response has delighted director Kelleher, who says it’s surpassed the hopes of all at Underground Films.

“We’re also delighted that the release date of the film coincides with All Souls Day,

? she added.

“We’re very grateful to the staff of Glasnevin, without whom the film could not have been made, and to the family and friends of Shane MacThomáis.

“Making this film, with its remarkable subject and such a brilliant team, has been a privilege and it’s wonderful that audiences will have an opportunity to see the film in cinemas.

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One Million Dubliners is an Underground Films production in association with RT�, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, Shoot for the Moon and with the participation of Bord Scannán na h�ireann.

The makers are planning matinée screenings for schools and groups at a later date but it opens in cinemas this weekend for a short run.

A special screening takes place at the Irish Film Institute in Temple Bar on Friday (October 31) at 6.30pm. Director Aoife Kelleher and producer Rachel Lysagh will participate in a Q&A after the screening.

The movie will also be shown at the Lighthouse cinema in Smithfield and at selected IMC cinemas around the city.