Newcastle film helps change Irish disability laws

Director of photography Russell Gleeson, Director Len Collin and actors Robert Doherty and Kieran Coppinger. Credit: Northumbria University

Northumbria University film director and lecturer Len Collin has helped change Irish disability law through one of his films.

Sanctuary highlights the Irish legal directive which made sexual relationships between two people with learning difficulties a criminal offence.

The film tells the story of a group of people with learning difficulties who take a trip to the cinema with their support worker. Among them are Larry (Kieran Coppinger) and Sophie (Charlene Kelly), who sneak away to be alone in a hotel room.

A change in the law now means that someone with learning difficulties will have their ability to consent to a sexual relationship considered, as opposed to an outright ban.

Sanctuary will be screened at the International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography in Poland and the Oska Bright Festival in Brighton before beginning its UK theatrical run in December.