There wasn’t a dry eye in the Savoy, Dublin last night following the emotional premiere of Jamie Dornan’s new movie, The Siege of Jadotville.
The movie, which was produced by Netflix, is a historical drama that tells the story of the Irish UN battalion that underwent a siege during the 1961 disturbances in the Congo.
Jamie, who plays the lead role of Pat Quinlan in the film, was joined by his co-stars Sam Keeley, Jason O’Mara, Ronan Raftery, Michael McElhatton, Conor MacNeill, Mike Noble and Charlie Kelly on the red carpet, as well a number of veterans, who were involved in the Siege of Jadotville 55 years ago.
Sam Keeley was very happy to be involved in such a project, but did admit it wasn’t an easy film to make.
Speaking exclusively to VIP Magazine, he said, “It’s really emotional. I’m very happy that everybody gets to see it and we get to show it to the world.
“It was very tough. It was three months of shooting guns and blowing stuff up, while going to very dark, emotional places to tell these men’s story.
“I sat with two of the veterans and spoke to them about their experiences in Jadotville. I listened to everything they had to say, and used that to try tell their story as truthfully as possible, I guess.”
Veterans of the Siege of Jadotville attended the premiere last night. They couldn’t have been happier at the final product, and were thrilled to finally see their story being told.
Catching up with one veteran after the movie, Jeffrey Cuffe gushed, “I thought it was great! It was very emotional.” Before adding, “We were treated terribly wrong for the past 55 years – like dirt.”
Jamie Dornan understands this, and told VIP Magazine, “What these men achieved was monumental and I think it’s important we’re telling it.”
The Siege of Jadotville was released in selected cinemas around Ireland yesterday, and will be available on Netflix from Friday, October 7.
