New film looks at evolution of Londonderry murals

A still from 'Together in pieces,' a new film produced and directed by Eileen Walsh, David Dryden and John Peto, which examines the issue of political murals and graffiti in Londonderry.

A new film looking at the evolution of murals and political slogans in Londonderry and beyond over the past forty years is due to be officially launched in the Nerve Centre on June 17.

‘Together in Pieces’ features contributions from well-known community workers from the Fountain and Nelson Drive, Jeanette Warke and Linda Watson respectively.

According to the filmmakers the interviewees document the real struggle taking place on the streets of our segregated communities in tackling sectarianism proactively.

The film documents the work of people with a vision to make big changes for the better in the lives and surroundings of people, both young and old, in Londonderry.

Jeanette Warke, commenting on one of the murals in the Bogside, says: “I feel it’s dragging up the past all the time. A British soldier with a sledgehammer banging on a door.”

Michael Doherty of the local Peace and Reconciliation Group, says local political divisions have been reflected by murals and graffiti.

“We are divided. Ninety-eight per cent of our social housing is segregated,” he says.

The screening on Tuesday (June 17) will be introduced by the film makers Eileen Walsh and David Dryden, and will be followed by a Q&A session.

Guest speakers at the Londonderry launch and both Belfast screenings include murals expert and Emeritus Professor of the University of Ulster Bill Rolston and Martin Nangle, Founder of the Citizen’s Wallpaper Project.