The director of a new documentary series about the Troubles in Northern Ireland has criticised the English for their “shameful disinterest” in the conflict. James Bluemel, who previously directed the Bafta-winning series Once Upon a Time in Iraq, said that educating viewers about the Troubles was one of the primary goals of his new project.
Bluemel believes that the English have largely ignored the Troubles, perhaps due to fatigue or a sense that the conflict is too complicated and doesn’t concern them. However, he stressed that the UK government was one of the three sides involved in the conflict, and therefore it is an issue that should be of interest to all British citizens.
The Troubles was a period of political violence and unrest in Northern Ireland that lasted from the late 1960s to the late 1990s. It was a complex conflict, involving Irish republicans who wanted Northern Ireland to reunite with the Republic of Ireland, loyalists who wanted to remain part of the UK, and the British government.
During the Troubles, there were numerous bombings, shootings, and other violent incidents, which led to the deaths of over 3,500 people. It was a traumatic time for both Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, with the conflict frequently spilling over into mainland Britain.
Bluemel’s new documentary series aims to shed light on the Troubles and help viewers understand the causes and consequences of the conflict. The filmmaker said that he wanted to provide a nuanced and balanced view, exploring the perspectives of people on all sides of the conflict.
The series will feature interviews with a range of people, including former IRA members, loyalist paramilitaries, former British soldiers, and victims of the violence. Bluemel hopes that the series will encourage viewers to engage with the complexities of the conflict and challenge their preconceptions.
Bluemel is not the first person to criticise the English for their perceived lack of interest in the Troubles. Some commentators have argued that the conflict was largely ignored by the English media, with the newspapers focusing more on domestic politics and international affairs.
However, there has been some recent interest in the Troubles, particularly in relation to Brexit negotiations. The issue of the Irish border has been a major sticking point in the negotiations, with concerns that a hard border could undermine the peace process in Northern Ireland.
In conclusion, the Troubles was a complex conflict that had a significant impact on both Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole. While it may have been neglected by some in the past, there is increasing recognition of its importance, particularly in light of recent events. Bluemel’s new documentary series will provide an important insight into the conflict, helping viewers to understand its complexities and its legacy.
