The 8th

2020

1 hr. 34 min.

Documentary

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14 Reviews

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The 8th traces Ireland's campaign to remove the 8th Amendment -- a constitutional ban on abortion. It shows a country's transformation from a conservative state in thrall to the Catholic church to a more liberal secular society. The 8th includes voices from both sides of the debate, but its primary focus is on the dynamic female leaders of the pro-choice campaign. The film follows the veteran campaigner Ailbhe Smyth and self-described glitter-activist Andrea Horan as they chart a bold strategy of grassroots activism and engineer the impossible. This dramatic story is underscored by a vivid exploration of the wrenching failures that led to this defining moment in Irish history. An urgent narrative, a cautionary tale and a roadmap for progressive reforms in a modern era where authoritarianism is on the rise, The 8th shows a country forging a new progressive path when reproductive rights are threatened all over the world.

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Aideen Kane

Director

Lucy Kennedy

Director

Maeve O'Boyle

Director

Eamon Martin

Self

Ailbhe Smyth

Self

Maria Steen

Self

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Sophie Monks Kaufman

Empire Magazine

Impressive scope, storytelling and sensitivity makes this a fine capture of Irish abortion rights history being made and the beautiful spirit of the campaigners who fought to push their country into the future.

Rated: 4/5

May 29, 2021

Full Review

Danny Leigh

Financial Times

The film has a quality of triumph and an analytical mind as well - how a vote is won and why.

Rated: 4/5

May 26, 2021

Full Review

Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

The grassroots campaign that led to one of the single most important moments in the history of women's rights is documented in this solid, stirring and frequently very affecting film.

Rated: 4/5

May 23, 2021

Full Review

Phoebe Moore

Film Ireland Magazine

Directors Aideen Kane, Lucy Kennedy and Maeve O'Boyle... capture in startling breadth the tireless and monumental campaign fought to repeal the controversial amendment tied to a deceivingly innocuous number.

Jun 1, 2021

Full Review

Sophie Maxwell

One Room With A View

The 8th explains its subject clearly without condescension or assumption of knowledge, with stylish use of found footage, digital inserts and illustration that enrich the storytelling.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 1, 2021

Full Review

Hilary A White

Sunday Independent (Ireland)

Watching The 8th and the manner in which it both zeroes-in on the issue while also capturing the broad tectonic shifts underfoot, you come to see this is a bit more than just a victory lap.

Rated: 4/5

May 29, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

The 8th traces Ireland's campaign to remove the 8th Amendment -- a constitutional ban on abortion. It shows a country's transformation from a conservative state in thrall to the Catholic church to a more liberal secular society. The 8th includes voices from both sides of the debate, but its primary focus is on the dynamic female leaders of the pro-choice campaign. The film follows the veteran campaigner Ailbhe Smyth and self-described glitter-activist Andrea Horan as they chart a bold strategy of grassroots activism and engineer the impossible. This dramatic story is underscored by a vivid exploration of the wrenching failures that led to this defining moment in Irish history. An urgent narrative, a cautionary tale and a roadmap for progressive reforms in a modern era where authoritarianism is on the rise, The 8th shows a country forging a new progressive path when reproductive rights are threatened all over the world.

Director: Aideen Kane, Lucy Kennedy, Maeve O'Boyle
Executive Producer: Abigail Disney, Jess Kwan, Lesley McKimm, Amy Nauiokas
Production Co: Black Tabby Films, Sitric Road, Cowtown Pictures
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English

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