On June 13, 2025, the documentary film The Flats by Alessandra Celesia had its UK national premiere at the Sheffield DocFest, marking its debut on British screens after a successful international tour. Shot in the Catholic neighborhood of New Lodge in Belfast, the film explores the scars left by the Troubles through the memories of Joe McNally and his neighbors.

Blending elements of theatre and documentary, the film gives voice to the residents of the area, weaving together moving reenactments and intimate confessions. It tackles heavy themes: trauma, violence, alcoholism, but also solidarity and collective memory.

Already awarded at CPH:DOX in Denmark, the film was warmly received in the UK, with screenings followed by discussions attended by the director. Critics have praised it as a sensitive and powerful work that gives a voice to those forgotten by history, while offering a deeply human perspective on memory and resilience.

The Flats has just won the international competition award at CPH:DOX!

The jury decided to reward a “witty, multi-layered, profound and provocative film (…), a collective portrait of several proud, funny, resourceful individuals, who would be willing to die for their community but who choose each day the harder, braver and more hopeful option of living for it instead.”

Peter Bradshaw in The Guardian paid tribute to « a powerful, urgent and deeply sad film. », when Variety highlighted “a powerful, timely and haunting film”. Also check out Screen International that sees in the film “A dark, uneasy reminder of the indelible, multi-generational stain of violence”, or the interview of the director in Irish News.

Congratulations to Alessandra Celesia, as well as Joe, Jolene, Angie, Sean and Rita, and all the other residents of New Lodge (Belfast) who took part in the very special process of the film! Not to mention the whole crew, as well as the Belgian, Irish and Northern-Irish co-producers.

The Flats will also be screened at Visions du Réel in the « Highlights » section, and then in several festivals that will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Flats vient de remporter le prix de la compétition internationale à CPH:DOX !

Le jury a choisi de récompenser un film « aux multiples niveaux de lecture, plein d’esprit, profond et provocateur (…), portrait collectif d’un ensemble d’individus fiers, drôles, plein de ressources, qui seraient prêt.e.s à mourir pour leur communauté, mais qui chaque jour font au contraire le choix plus difficile de vivre pour elle, avec courage et espoir ».

Peter Bradshaw dans The Guardian a quant à lui salué « un film puissant, urgent, et profondément triste », tandis que Variety souligne « la force et l’actualité d’un film qui vous hante ». À lire également, Screen International qui voit dans le film « un rappel sombre et troublant de l’empreinte indélébile de la violence sur plusieurs générations », ou encore l’entretien avec la réalisatrice accordé au Irish News.

Mille félicitations à Alessandra Celesia, ainsi qu’à Joe, Jolene, Angie, Sean et Rita, et aux autres habitant.e.s de New Lodge (Belfast) qui ont participé au processus très spécial de ce film ! Sans oublier l’équipe technique et artistique, ainsi que les coproducteurs.trices belge, irlandais et nord-irlandais.

The Flats sera également présenté à Visions du Réel dans la section « Highlights », puis dans plusieurs festivals qui seront annoncés au cours des prochaines semaines.