‘Trailblazing’ investigative journalist Lyra Mckee’s life and death to be explored in ‘poignant and thoughtful’ documentary-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro

A new documentary will explore Lyra McKee’s life and death (Picture: Jess LOWE / JESS LOWE PHOTOGRAPHY / AFP)

‘Trailblazing’ investigative journalist Lyra McKee’s life and death is set to be explored in a film, Channel 4 has announced.

Lyra, 29, was shot dead in April 2019 by dissident republicans as petrol bombs were lobbed and cars set ablaze during riots in the Northern Irish city of Londonderry.

The New IRA terror group claimed responsibility for the killing and later issued an apology, claiming its members had been aiming at police.

The upcoming film, titled Lyra, has been made by Bafta-award winning documentarian and close friend Alison Millar – who salvaged voice recordings from Lyra’s Dictaphone so she could narrate her own story.

The intimate film will see Lyra growing up in 90s Belfast, using text messages and home video footage as well as close access to her mother, sister and partner to capture their grief and quest for justice in the days and months following Lyra’s death.

Lyra had been planning to propose to her partner Sara Canning before her life was cut short.

Alison 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.’

Lyra, 29, was shot dead in April 2019 (Picture: Chiho Tang/Oranga Creative/PA)

Louisa Compton, head of news and current affairs and specialist factual and sport for Channel 4, added that the broadcaster is ‘proud’ to have commissioned this ‘poignant and thoughtful film’.

‘Lyra McKee was a trailblazer in so many ways and we hope this film will demonstrate how important her work was and continues to be,’ she shared.

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.

‘We were honoured to support Alison Millar at Erica Starling Productions to produce this emotional documentary sharing Lyra’s voice and message.’

The upcoming documentary is said to be ‘poignant and thoughtful’ (Picture: PSNI/PA Wire)

Lyra’s death drew condemnation from around the world. Theresa May, then the British Prime Minister, and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, both attended her funeral in Belfast.

Catholic priest Fr Martin Magill received a standing ovation when he asked why it took her death to unite politicians.

Two men were charged with Lyra’s death in 2021.

Lyra was considered one of Northern Ireland’s most promising young journalists, and she wrote for several publications about the consequences of the Troubles.

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MORE : Two men arrested over murder of journalist Lyra McKee

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