Belfast, August 7, 1999. The world premiere of the film “One Man’s Hero” brought about the historic meeting of two Irish political rivals – Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams and Lord Mayor of Belfast Bob Stoker.
For the first time, Stoker, a Unionist and Protestant leader, crossed the border into the Catholic stronghold of West Belfast in order to attend the premiere, which was hosted by Adams as part of the West Belfast Film Festival.
“One Man’s Hero” star Tom Berenger, director/producer Lance Hool and producer Conrad Hool, enjoyed the chance to watch this unexpected and momentous meeting.
“People kept telling me, ‘You have no idea what you’ve done by bringing these two together,’” said Lance Hool. “To see the faces of the people filled with hope was just amazing. It was an electric experience.”
Stoker surrounded himself with bodyguards for his first entry into Sinn Fein territory, but at Adams behest, Stoker asked his bodyguards to withdraw. Adams subsequently addressed the film audience and introduced the Lord Mayor. Visibly nervous, Stoker told the audience that although he had never before visited West Belfast, he was the Lord Mayor of all of Belfast and was glad to make this first visit. He added that he hoped this visit would further peace and understanding. The audience vigorously applauded, and Adams called the visit “historic.”
Stoker accepted Adams’ invitation to the premiere in part because Stoker was intrigued by the film. Together, the two leaders watched the movie, which tells the story of an Irish battalion that fought in the Mexican-American War. Adams called the film “brilliant,” and Stoker said he was “deeply touched by a tremendous film.” Both men and their entourages enthusiastically congratulated the filmmakers.
As a result of the meeting, Adams and Stoker planned to immediately re-start the boggeddown peace process. Former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell will fly to Northern Ireland next month to join them.
Tom Berenger, Daniela Romo, Joaquim de Almeida and Patrick Bergin star in the film, which will be released domestically by MGM on Sept. 24. The film is the last film to have been produced under the Orion label.
“One Man’s Hero” was given a green light under Len White and John Klugge’s stewardship in the hope that the film would continue the Orion legacy that produced such controversial and successful films as “Platoon” and “Dances With Wolves.”
For one night in troubled Northern Ireland, “One Man’s Hero” proved that film can both entertain and be a catalyst for peace.
