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Absence and presence: investigating the cinematic representation of Northern Irish unionists (1981-2020) Richard Gallagher (1527970) PUREID: 296042500 Unionism loyalism protestantism representation Northern Ireland The Troubles Irish studies media studies film studies This research project explores the politics of cinematic representation in relation to Northern Irish unionists and focusses on feature-length fiction films released between 1981-2020. Prior to this contemporary period, only a handful of mainstream cinema releases featured identifiable unionist characters and their culture. The thesis examines this curious ‘cinematic deficit’ in fiction films that deal with the conflict in – or about – Northern Ireland, and assesses why unionists and unionism have traditionally been depicted in a much more negative light than Irish nationalism, and nationalists. The research adopts a methodology consisting of close analysis of how film language and narrative forms have been typically deployed within this context, combined with a detailed consideration of relevant socio-historical and film production and distribution issues.<br><i><br>Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2027.</i> 2026-10-01T17:11:19Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32632467.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Absence_and_presence_investigating_the_cinematic_representation_of_Northern_Irish_unionists_1981-2020_/32632467 All Rights Reserved Open Access after 2027-07-31