The Hardest Bridge

The Hardest Bridge is a new documentary sharing the unique story of Jo Berry and Pat Magee. The trailer is now available and the full film will soon be released. Please do get in touch if you would like a private screening, virtually or in person.

The documentary depicts a real example of post-conflict reconciliation between Britain and Northern Ireland through the journey of Jo Berry and Pat Magee. It includes footage from their second meeting in 2000 and concludes with their visit to a school in Tower Hamlets in 2023. The film captures the depth and complexity of reconciliation, the pain, honesty, courage, and humanity involved. After more than 25 years, Jo and Pat are still working together and are now friends. Together they have spoken across the world about reconciliation, demonstrating that even after profound loss and violence, it is possible to build understanding, human connection, and hope. The first meeting became a catalyst for them both to go on a journey and be transformed as they experienced the power of empathy and rehumanised each other.

As a Volunteer with the Irish Republican Army, Pat Magee planted the bomb in the Grand Hotel, Brighton, during the Conservative Party Conference in 1984, in an attempt to kill Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The explosion killed five people, including Sir Anthony Berry MP, Jo Berry’s father. Magee was arrested in 1985, imprisoned in 1986, and released under the Good Friday Agreement in 1999. Jo chose to meet him in 2000.

Since then, they have been on a remarkable and transformative journey together, taking them into situations of tension and conflict in many countries around the world. Their story raises profound questions: Can the wounds of violence heal? Can enemies reconcile? What becomes possible when people choose dialogue over hatred?

The film is directed by Dr Imad Karam, an award-winning British-Palestinian filmmaker who grew up in Gaza City. Dr Karam made this documentary to bring Jo and Pat’s deeply personal story of forgiveness and transformation to a wider audience.

“This film gives a profound insight into a shared journey of forgiveness and transformation which is so relevant for the divided world we live in today.”

Howard Grace is the executive producer of the film and has dedicated his life to peace and non violence.