Wildcard Distribution is delighted to announce that it has acquired the rights to Gary Lennon’s feature documentary A Doctor’s Sword which is screening at the Galway Film Fleadh this week. A theatrical release is now set for Friday 7th August.
A Doctor’s Sword tells the incredible story of Aidan MacCarthy, a young doctor from West Cork who survived some of the most harrowing episodes of World War II (including the atomic bombing of Nagasaki) and his family’s search to uncover the origin of the Japanese Samurai sword, which now resides in MacCarthy’s Bar in Castletownbere.
Speaking about the theatrical release, film-maker Gary Lennon said, “It is a real pleasure being able to work with Wildcard distribution on A Doctor’s Sword. It is rare that one comes across a story like Dr. Aidan MacCarthy’s, he is, for me, a miracle man. His is a story where an Irishman shows the rarest combination of courage and humanity. It is wonderful to be able to share his story on the big screen.”
Dr. Aidan MacCarthy stands as one of the most incredible survivors of World War II. He survived Dunkirk and the fall of Singapore; he spent four years as a POW and was just a few hundred metres from the atomic bomb in Nagasaki.
From the ashes of Nagasaki Aidan MacCarthy was given a sword by a Japanese officer but its provenance was shrouded in mystery. Going to Japan, Aidan’s daughter Niki attempts to find this Japanese officer that gave Dr. MacCarthy his ancestral sword. On her journey Niki discovers much more about her father and his remarkable story and the war from both the Allied and Japanese sides. Recreated through animation this is a story of survival, forgiveness and how humanity can scale the highest heights.
A Doctor’s Sword screened at the Cork Film Festival last November to a sold-out crowd, prompting a second screening and hugely positive reactions.
The film was produced by Bob Jackson with funding from BAI, IFB, UCC, Cork City Council and Cork County Council Arts Office.
Galway audiences will get a chance to see the film when it plays at the Galway Film Fleadh tomorrow Thursday 9th July at 12.15pm in Town Hall Studio.
