'McLibel'. Franny Armstrong's debut documentary, records the longest civil trial in UK history. Turned down by over 16 commissioning editors, she persevered to make this insightful 'no budget' behind the scenes look at the lives of Helen Steel and Dave Morris - the McLibel defendants.

The film has interviews with Mike Mansfield QC, Jeremy Corbyn MP (who is currently calling for a change to the UK libel laws) and Francis Tiller, the private investigator hired by McDonald's to infiltrate the campaigners' group. McDonald's refused Armstrong's many requests for interviews and also prevented other key witnesses on their side from being filmed.

Dramatic reconstructions of the courtroom are directed by keen supporter, Ken Loach. Three years in the making, this is in the best tradition of issue based film making.

Franny Armstrong and Dave Morris have been invited to attend the festival.

 
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