Abstract
This paper explores the cinematic depiction of Belfast following the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, which marked a significant turning point in the city’s history. It examines how Belfast has evolved from being portrayed as a city marked by alienation, confusion, and violence during the Troubles (1960s to 1998) to a city of reconciliation and development. Many films in this period, such as Divorcing Jack (1998), With or Without You (1999) and The Most Fertile Man in Ireland (1999) have portrayed the city as a neutral place with the display of modern architectural complexes, commercial activities and renovation, all contributing to the creation of an image eluded from the past conflicts. These attempts have had a significant impact on the public perception of Belfast by countering stereotypes associated with the Troubles era and inspiring hope for a shared future. They have raised awareness about the city’s efforts to transform itself, fostering a sense of revitalisation. The new image of Belfast also laid the foundation for the city’s breakthrough as a touristic destination and a location for film production in the subsequent years. By elaborating on these points, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of how cinematic representations of Belfast have played a pivotal role in this transformation and how they have contributed to the development of a new city image. By doing so, it offers an understanding of the broader role of cinema in reshaping urban narratives and reimagining cities.
Presenters
Ece Sila BoraStudent, PhD Candidate, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2023 Special Focus—Images Do Not Represent Us, They Create Us: The Image and its Transforming Power
KEYWORDS
Belfast, Cinematic Representation, Citiesin Film, Post-conflict, Urban Space
