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Organised by Newtown Together and North Wicklow Against Genocide, the latter’s Kellie McConnell explains, ‘The emails that were sent to the venues all contained the same text, but under different names.
Roundwood central…
pon its release in 2023, the US documentary Refuge was 
hailed by one critic as an ‘unforgettable story of unity, hope and positivity’.
It also went on to win five awards, and was short-listed for an Oscar.
So, we’re guessing its two directors, Din Blankenship and Erin Bernhardt, wouldn’t be too impressed by their film being bounced from venue to venue around Wicklow, thanks to a campaign of intimidation.
Kellie McConnell
News arrived Friday, September 20th that Roundwood Parish Hall was a go, the screening of Refuge to be followed by a live link with Chris Buckley, the film’s former white nationalist who’s now an anti-racist campaigner.
9 comments
Its ridiculus, ok, films arent my cup of tea, but did the venues even check what the film was about?? you dont have to watch it, just look it up, its an antiracist film, its about love for other human beins.
i mean, if wegive in to bullyng all the time,. we might aswell just stay in bed all day because we’re too scared to do anythin. The community centre management should grow up, they should of checked what the meeting and film was about, Never mind a hate speech crackdown, theres a love speech crackdown going on!
Well put, Andy, that’s exactly it.
It is really disturbing that a vocal and misinformed minority have been allowed to set the agenda regarding the screening of this documentary film which threatens nobody, and only seeks to demonstrate understanding and compassion for all humankind.
It’s a scary look at what’s to come.
Why is a good documentary about humanity so scary to some that they need to intimidate screening venues to cancel ? Are they afraid that the public finds out about their lies, and that the public understands that welcoming refugees is bringing so much to the community.
« Never again » said the survivors of Buchenwald and other camps. Don’t let the cancer of hatred, racism and fascism spread in Ireland. We all must fight it.
So disheartening that a ceaseless campaign of intimidation and misinformation is allowed away with this behaviour.
It is absolutely despicable that our communities are being held ransom by a vocal minority filled with hatred. This screening was envisaged to bring the community together, to help bridge the gap of misunderstanding and misinformation. It teaches us understanding and compassion, something that is so very lacking in today’s world. This screening must go ahead. We must come together and stand up to this hate. We cannot sit idly by anymore.
As an inclusive community organization we are absolutely disgusted that this blatant racist intimidation is allowed to fester with impunity within our community. Anyone who watched the RTE investigates programme on Friday night (still available on RTE player) will be sickened by the hatred and violence portrayed and the besmirching of our community and sullying our national flag. It is wrong that a vacuum has been allowed to develop and community organisations who have tried to help have to bear the burnt. Enough is enough, strong political leadership is required and Gardai should investigate and hold the perpetrators to account!
This is it exactly – it’s a huge mistake on the part of the community centres that they have bowed to this pressure rather than report it and stand up to it.
If the GardaĂ were doing their job, they would see the value in shutting these people down – only recently there was a tv show about the racist abuse a guard was getting and how frustrated his colleagues were by it. How far is all this going to be allowed go?