The award-winning documentary and musical biopic on the life of Sinéad O’Connor comes had been scheduled to air at the end of this month before last night's news of the death of the Irish singer-songwriter.
In an unhappy twist of fate, Nothing Compares, directed by Belfast’s Kathryn Ferguson, will be shown on Saturday night on Sky Documentaries and Now TV at 9pm.
It follows last autumn’s cinema release of the documentary.
Directed by Belfast’s Kathryn Ferguson, Nothing Compares presents an authored, richly cinematic portrait of this fearless artist through a contemporary feminist lens.
“Nothing Compares isn’t a regular music documentary, instead it’s a portrait of one unique artist, her cultural significance in Irish history and how she affected the lives of millions around the world,” says Ferguson.
Focusing on Sinéad’s prophetic words and deeds from 1987 to 1993, the film charts Sinéad O’Connor’s phenomenal rise to worldwide fame and examines the way she used her platform to address social issues such as Church abuse, misogyny and racism; and the vicious backlash she received for speaking out.
Along with incredible archival footage of Sinead rehearsing, performing and being interviewed during the late '80s and early '90s, the film is underpinned by a new interview with Sinéad herself.
Read more:
- Director of Sinead O'Connor documentary ‘devastated' at singer's death
- Belfast director Kathryn Ferguson on why Nothing Compares to Sinead O'Connor
- Sinéad O'Connor changes mind about quitting music industry
She reflects on the abuse that she suffered at the hands of her mother; the Church abuse that was rampant in Ireland and the way she faced intense scrutiny and vitriol for daring to be an outspoken woman.
Intimate first-hand contributor interviews add to the tapestry with additional insights from contemporary artists, musicians and social commentators introducing broader themes of Irish history, politics, and global activism - all the while reflecting on Sinéad’s artistry, impact, and legacy.
Like countless others, the singer had a huge personal impact upon director Ferguson.
“I grew up in Belfast during the 1980s and ‘90s. Women and their rights, particularly their reproductive rights, were very low down the pecking order.
“When Sinead burst into my consciousness as a young teenager, it felt like a door had been kicked open. Here was a bold Irish woman who said things that others didn't feel they could say, and she said them loudly.”
Nothing Compares will be shown on Sky Documentariesand Now TV on July 29 at 9pm.
