Burkitt – Film Screening

The aim of this event is to engage the public by elevating Éanna Mac Cana’s powerful story in Burkitt, a film that intertwines his personal experience with cancer and Dr. Denis Burkitt's legacy. Through this screening, you hope to inspire audiences, support Éanna’s early career as a filmmaker and advocate, and deepen public connection with narratives of resilience and healing.

Description: In 2017, filmmaker Éanna Mac Cana found himself on an unexpected journey when he was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma. Little did he know that his path to recovery would intersect with the story of Dr. Denis Burkitt, the very man who had discovered this rare disease. Burkitt, screened for the first time in Dublin on 16th November at Dundrum Cinema, Dublin, is not just a film; it is the deeply personal narrative of Éanna’s experience of cancer intertwined with the pioneering medical breakthroughs of Dr. Burkitt in sub-Saharan Africa during the 1950s and 60s.

Burkitt doesn’t simply recount a medical story—it reflects Éanna’s remarkable ability to turn personal adversity into a compelling and visually rich narrative.
His filmmaking goes beyond traditional documentary, offering an emotional, artistic journey that captures both the scientific and human elements of this incredible story.
The film highlights Dr. Burkitt's lasting legacy in medical history—not only as the discoverer of Burkitt’s lymphoma but as a visionary who emphasised the importance of preventative medicine. Yet, it is Éanna’s innovative approach to storytelling that truly makes this documentary stand out. He uses his artistry to challenge how we think about illness, healing, and the legacies we inherit from those who came before us.

Burkitt doesn’t just speak to cancer survivors and medical professionals—it speaks to anyone who has faced overwhelming odds. Through the parallels of two lives, separated by decades but connected by the same disease, the film shows how creativity can become a powerful tool for healing and invites us to rethink how we approach trauma and resilience.
After the screening, there will be a Post-Screening Discussion with Éanna, where you can hear firsthand how this film came to life and the journey that brought him here.

This preview screening, ahead of the film's limited theatrical release in early February 2025, is presented in partnership with the All-Island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI; www.aicri.org).
The film has been funded by TG4, NI Screen, ILBF, & Little Ease Films.
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All proceeds go toward making this screening possible and directly support a young filmmaker's early career development. This is an 18+ event. For more information, check out the film trailer.