Bernard Phelan recounts his eight months of captivity in Iran’s notorious ‘Satan’s Block’ Based on the memoir You Will Die in Prison, this documentary follows Bernard Phelan, an Irish-French man wrongfully arrested in Iran and held as a political hostage. Detained in Mashhad prison on fabricated espionage charges, Phelan endures brutal conditions, psychological pressure, and prolonged isolation while fighting to maintain his sense of self. Through his testimony and the efforts of those advocating for his release, the film examines the human cost of arbitrary detention, the contrasting diplomatic responses of the Irish and French states, and the lasting physical and emotional impact of captivity long after freedom is secured.
The Chicago Irish Film Festival, dedicated to presenting the works of Irish filmmakers since 1999. We open for Chicago audiences a window into the color and complexity of Irish life. Contemporary Irish films bring the lyrical and self-reflective richness of a long artistic tradition to bear on unique stories and pressing social issues with a gaze both critical and loving.
Our passion for supporting Irish films and filmmakers translates into a commitment to broadening our reach to audiences in the Chicago area and beyond.