VIPs to attend the premiere of The Journey in Belfast

By Maria McCann and David Hunter

Film stars, politicians and well known local faces are expected to attend tonight's premiere of The Journey.

It's the film about the unexpected relationship between the late Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley.

Members of the Paisley family are expected to be in attendance along with DUP and Sinn Fein representatives.

The special screening is taking place in the Movie House on Belfast's Dublin Road at 7pm.

Director Nick Hamm said: “I knew that in those early days of St. Andrews, McGuinness and Paisley had shared a private jet and I thought this story simply had to be told. I asked Colin to fictionalise the event and his witty and dark sense of humour has really brought this very surreal story to life.
 
“The unexpected friendship that developed between these two political titans is a wonderful story and testament to how far we have come in Northern Ireland. Once bitter foes, the relationship slowly evolved into something that brought us continued peace and stability.

“It is a great honour to open the film to UK and Irish audiences, right here in Belfast.”
 
Belfast Film Festival Director, Michele Devlin, said: “We all think we know the story of how two such bitter political rivals ended up leading the country, earning each other’s respect and the nickname ‘the Chuckle Brothers’.  But The Journey sheds new light on the early days of this once fractious relationship that, slowly and stumbling at first, evolved into a model of statesmanship that defied the odds.
 
“With the current instability in our political institutions, The Journey is a timely reminder of the courage and compromises required to move this country forward.”

Michael McAdam, Movie House Cinemas said: “We are really pleased to be able to sponsor the UK/Ireland premiere of this topical new movie, which really showcases Northern Ireland’s growing role in film and television production on a global stage.”
 
The film is in cinemas nationwide from Friday 5 May.