Cahal McLaughlin’s films and projects are passionate explorations of history, justice, and societal structures. His work spans themes such as the legacy of The Troubles, post-conflict life in Peru, and oral history projects that capture the memories of prisoners. McLaughlin tackles challenging subjects, prompting viewers to reflect on the societal structures surrounding them.

This interview, conducted by Louise O’Meara for BECTU’s British Entertainment History Project, provides deep insights into McLaughlin’s career. He reflects on growing up in the village of Portglenone, moving to Belfast in the 1960s, and engaging in various social justice initiatives. McLaughlin also discusses several of his films, his time at Channel Four, his role in the Belfast Independent Video Workshop, and his academic career at Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast. Collaboration is at the core of McLaughlin’s work ethic and creative process, making this a fascinating interview with a unique and driven filmmaker. McLaughlin discusses how his method fed into films such as Pack Up the Troubles and Moving Myths.

After Image is a project by Docs Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen, in collaboration with the British Entertainment History Project. The British Entertainment History Project preserves the UK’s largest oral history collection of interviews with professionals across film, television, radio, and theatre. After Image aims to enhance Northern Irish representation in this collection and celebrate the contributions of creators from Northern Ireland.