The Days of Trees, Longford

2024 IFTA Award for Best Documentary

In this highly original feature documentary, Tomás, a middle-aged film producer, embarks on a journey of discovery with his friend and colleague, film director, Alan. As they progress, we witness first-hand Tomás’s unearthing of fresh and startling childhood happenings which had somehow eluded his memory. What follows is a profound pilgrimage towards uncovering how sporadic crises in adulthood, amidst an otherwise ‘normal’ life, had their roots in sophisticated sexual abuse by Christian Brothers in the late 1960s.
There is considerable beauty in this psychological excavation, the shadowy black and white palette lending intimacy to the unflinchingly honest testimony. This is the story of a man, not seeking vengeance, but seeking to transcend the trauma of his troubled past, ultimately finding redemption.

‘The Days of Trees’ reunites director Alan Gilsenan and producer Tomás Hardiman to complete the third in their loose trilogy with the acclaimed ‘Meetings with Ivor’ and ‘The Meeting’.

This is one of the most heart-rending, heart-opening films I have ever seen. All of Ireland should watch it. The world should watch it’ – Richard Kearney, Philosopher and Writer

‘powerful, strong, inspiring’ – Tommy Tiernan

You can also find The Days of Trees in Dublin, Portlaoise, Sligo, Kildare, Kerry, and Galway.