CHANNEL 4 has announced that it is making a film about the life and death of journalist Lyra McKee who was shot dead in 2019.
The 29-year-old was observing a riot in the Creggan in Derry when she was murdered by a member of the New IRA.
Bafta award winning documentarian Alison Millar, who was also a close friend of McKee, is behind the project.
The intimate film will look into Lyra's childhood in 1990s Derry and will be narrated by voice recordings extracted from Lyra's own Dictaphone.
It will also follow the grief and search of justice of Lyra's friends and families in the wake of her death, including Lyra's mother, sister and partner.
Director Ms Millar said: "Lyra's death was, to many, a sharp puncture to the future of a country trying to move beyond its past. I hope this documentary will introduce a new audience to Lyra and her work.
"The film is an urgent story that reflects life today in contemporary Northern Ireland as we approach the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Peace Agreement. Lyra's story and work represents her generation and reminds us why we cannot allow the dark shadows of the past to return."
Siobhan Sinnerton, executive producer for HiddenLight and previously commissioning editor for Channel 4, said Lyra's work and stories "tell us about why peace in Northern Ireland matters to us all". She said: "As a Belfast native, I have always been cautious about making films about 'The Troubles'.
"But when brilliant Northern Irish director Ali Millar decided that she wanted to make a film about the life and loss of her friend and mentee Lyra McKee I knew it was going to be very special. And it is."
Richard Williams, chief executive of Northern Ireland Screen, added:
"This powerful documentary about Lyra McKee is a special and unique portrayal of the life and passing of the journalist. The film amplifies Lyra's renowned investigative work and seeks answers over her untimely death.
