In a society utterly transformed over the past 40 years, a new film offers a nuanced exploration of the Catholic Church in Ireland through the lens of the sacrament of confession as a way of understanding our past, as well as where we are now and where we are going. Sins of Ireland was released to critical acclaim.

In Sins of Ireland, fifteen Irish priests who have long listened to the sins of others, offer their own confessional on the rise and fall of a sacrament that now epitomises the turbulent changes in faith and spirituality in contemporary Ireland. The documentary is a nuanced and uncynical examination of confession, as the priests themselves acknowledge how a rite meant to offer absolution and guidance had for many years become a tool of control and shame, with devastating consequences. Yet, Sins of Ireland also explores forgiveness-not as an easy resolution, but as a necessary reckoning with the past and a gateway to spiritual redemption. In confronting their own failings and the sins of the church, these priests lay bare the complexities of remorse, accountability, and the possibility of reconciliation. And looking forwards with hope & humility, they give their thoughts as to how the Church needs to evolve significantly if it is to serve the people it for so long let down.

About the Director, Alex Fegan: Alex Fegan is a filmmaker who left a career as a solicitor in 2008 to follow his childhood dream. He is the founder of Atom Films, and has made some of Ireland’s best-loved documentaries including Older Than Ireland, The Irish Pub, Am I Here? and Abbeyfealegood

“Absolutely revelatory"-John Maguire, Sunday Business Post

"A nuanced, mature reflection on the power of the confession box”-Hilary White, IrishIndependent

“An utterly charming, authentic, wonderful film”–Patsy McGarry, The Irish Times;

"Genius-it would be a sin to miss it"-John Byrne RTÉ"Excellent"-John Fardy Newstalk