Stephen Frears’ film retells the true story of an amateur historian battling skepticism and bureaucracy in a quest to locate the final resting place of King Richard III.

Langley (Sally Hawkins) is a writer who finds herself suffering a midlife malaise after a divorce and some health challenges. She happens upon the Richard III Society, a group of amateur historians bent on rehabilitating the damaged reputation of Richard, and soon becomes obsessed with finding his long-lost remains. Weathering derision from historians and concern from her family (the exception being her supportive but confused ex-husband John, played by Steve Coogan), our amateur sleuth does prevail. But her discovery of Richard’s true fate is not the last chapter in this fascinating story. The film’s irony-filled third act, when bureaucrats attempt to do to Philippa something akin to what Henry Tudor did to Richard, is an impassioned addendum to this true-life story.

This screening will be introduced by Dr Colm Donnelly and Professor Eileen Murphy from the School of Natural and Built Environment, QUB.

This screening coincides with the European Association of Archaeologists 2023 conference, which will see its 29th annual meeting held in Belfast from 30 August to 2 September.