An Irish Angel (2024), a film supported and in part produced by The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), was released on all major digital platforms earlier this year after winning multiple awards at film festivals under its original title, “Pulcinella”, written and directed by Danny Patrick.

The story focuses on teenager Aine, an Irish schoolgirl who becomes pregnant in Portrush, Northern Ireland. Following her unplanned pregnancy, she must decide whether to travel to England for an abortion. At the same time, she contends with the opinions of friends and family once her secret is discovered.

SPUC praised the film’s realism and cast of lively characters who bring the story to life, as well as the plot’s balanced perspective that is never preachy. 

The cast was made up of young actors, including up-and-comer Niamh James who played Aine, and industry veterans such as Julian Glover, best known for his roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones, who played an elderly Catholic priest in the film.  

The cinematography was a highlight of An Irish Angel, showcasing Portrush’s rugged scenery on the north coast of Ireland.

Ultimately, An Irish Angel offers insights into the pressures women and girls face during crisis pregnancies that so often result in abortion, a subject largely ignored by the film industry.

Writer-director Danny Patrick conceived of the film following the 2018 abortion referendum in the Republic of Ireland. He later approached SPUC, which provided support for his film.

An Irish Angel – winner of Best Independent Film at the 2023 Cannes World Film Festival – can be found on various digital platforms, including Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Youtube.