National University of Ireland, Galway

19/08/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 19/08/2024 13:54

University of Galway, Light House Cinema, Pálás Cinema & BREAK OUT PICTURES to Showcase “From the Desk of…Mrs. Robinson

University of Galway Archivist Niamh Ní Charra, former President of Ireland and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson and President of University of Galway, Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh at the Mary Robinson Centre in Ballina. Credit - Corinne Beatty.

In celebration of the nationwide release of MRS ROBINSON in cinemas on August 23rd, the University of Galway, in collaboration with Light House Cinema, Pálás and BREAK OUT PICTURES, is proud to present an exclusive exhibition: "From the Desk of…Mrs. Robinson." This special exhibition, hosted at the Light House and Pálás Cinemas, offers the public a rare glimpse into the remarkable archive of Mary Robinson, one of Ireland's most influential and respected figures.

Earlier this year, Mary Robinson-former President of Ireland and a pioneering advocate for human rights-marked her 80th birthday. To honour this milestone, the University of Galway, custodian of Robinson's extensive archive, has curated a selection of materials that both inspired and feature in the documentary MRS ROBINSON.

The exhibition showcases a rich collection of materials spanning over six decades of Robinson's distinguished career. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore reproductions of documents and artifacts from her time as a barrister, legislator, senator, and professor, as well as her tenure as President of Ireland. The archive also includes materials from her global roles, including UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes and Climate Change, Chair of The Elders, and founder of Realizing Rights and the Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice.

Curated by Niamh Ní Charra, project archivist at the University of Galway, this mini-exhibition brings to life the profound impact of Robinson's work and her ongoing legacy in the fight for justice and equality.

MRS ROBINSON-directed by Aoife Kelleher and produced by Cormac Hargaden and Trisha Canning for Loosehorse-delivers Mary Robinson's story in her own words for the first time. The documentary chronicles her tireless battles for justice over more than 50 years, from the streets to the courts, the ballot box, and the corridors of power. The film will open nationwide on August 23rd, offering audiences an intimate look at Robinson's extraordinary life and contributions.

Mary Robinson first gained widespread attention as a reforming constitutional lawyer and senator, before creating a political earthquake by winning the Irish Presidential election in 1990. As UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, she cemented her legacy by challenging human rights abuses globally. Today, she continues to wield influence as Chair of The Elders-a group of global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela-and as a leading voice in climate justice through Project Dandelion, a women-led initiative addressing climate change.

The exhibition is open to the public at Light House Cinema from August 16th to September 1st and Pálás cinema from 21st of August to September 4th.

Mrs. Robinson is set for general release across Ireland on August 23rd.

For more information, please contact:
[email protected]

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