James Connolly: We Only Want The Earth

An iconic presence on the landscape of Irish socialism and republicanism, the name of James Connolly looms large in the trade union movement and wherever radical left-wing politics are espoused. The film tries to place Connolly’s radical ideas and many political achievements against the landscape of the contemporary world as well as documenting his more prominent role in the 1916 Easter Rising.

As well as many distinguished commentators, union activists and historians, the film also features many songs and poems - spoken and sung by contemporary artists such as Christy Moore, Stephen Rea, piper David Power, singers Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin and Esosa Ighodaro, as well as Connolly’s great great grand-daughter Tamsin Iona Connolly Heron. Acclaimed actor Terry O’Neill performs the words of Connolly.

The film aims to reclaim Connolly’s story as well as invoking his important social vision - with a clear eye on how it resonates in our contemporary time - an era when even democracy itself appears under threat.
Directed by esteemed Irish filmmaker Alan Gilsenan.

REVIEWS

Niall Mulholland for Socialist World: “The film commendably connects Connolly’s politics to modern movements like housing campaigns, trade unions, and feminist and environmental struggles, with interviewees often seeing him as a moral guide for the Irish Left.”