Seven Women

Dublin, Ireland, Easter 1916. Seven men sign the Proclamation of the Irish Republic and kick off the Easter Rising, a famous rebellion against British rule. These men went on to be famous, but the women who were involved in this incredible event were all but forgotten. Over two hundred women fought or served with the rebel forces. Many of them were suffragettes and feminist activists and they made a powerful impact on the international campaign for women’s rights. Two years later, the passionate rebel leader Constance Markievicz became Britain’s first female MP. She and the others inspired countless women around the globe. Presented by award-winning actress Fiona Shaw (Harry Potter, The Butcher Boy), this documentary reveals the extraordinary stories of Seven Women of the Easter Rising.

What were the thoughts and feelings of these women when they came face to face with death and destruction in Easter 1916? The documentary tells the story through the eyes of seven historical characters. They are portrayed in evocative drama re-enactments, with each giving a stylized “interview” directly to a reporter about their experiences. The characters are brought to life by a stunning ensemble cast, including Emma Lowe (Brooklyn) as Constance Markievicz, Mary Ryan (Breakfast on Pluto) as the teenager Mary McLaughlin, and Nichola MacEvilly (The Bill) as the ace sniper Margaret Skinnider. The drama sequences are intercut with atmospheric location footage, evocative archive and insightful interviews with experts. This landmark documentary explores a crucial time in women’s history and would be ideal for broadcast on International Women’s Day. Seven Women is a powerful, unforgettable and seminal experience.