Narrated by Liam Neeson, "In the Name of Peace: John Hume in America" shares how legendary Irish politician and Nobel Prize–winner John Hume—inspired by the American Civil Rights movement—harnessed the power of Irish America and built relationships with the White House and U.S. Congress to bring peace to Northern Ireland. The hour-long documentary tells the story of one man's achievement through the testimonies of those who helped him and understood his objectives for lasting peace. The film features original interviews with former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter; former British Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Sir John Major; two Irish Taoisigh (Prime Ministers) Bertie Ahern and Enda Kenny; Senator George Mitchell; Bono; Mrs Pat Hume (wife of the late John Hume); diplomats, journalists, and historians. It is a timely reminder that peace and reconciliation must be constantly pursued. Watch the trailer here.
The documentary, produced by Maurice Fitzpatrick, will air on over 150 PBS stations nationwide on March 17–23, 2021. Fitzpatrick also wrote the companion book John Hume in America: From Derry to DC (University of Notre Dame Press, 2019). The book received the Choice Outstanding Academic Book Award in 2020, for making an important contribution to the literature on the peace process in Northern Ireland. Choice said the book "offers a good introduction to the Troubles and the peace process in Northern Ireland through the role of a central proponent of peace."
John Hume died on August 3, 2020.
John Hume in America is available in paperback and digital editions from the University of Notre Dame Press. For more information, contact: Kathryn Pitts, pitts.5@nd.edu, 574.631.3267.