Loach expects fireworks over Irish Civil War film

Controversial British director Ken Loach is expecting fireworks when his film about the Irish Civil War drama, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, shows in competition at the Cannes Film Festival.

Back in 1990 his film 'Hidden Agenda', about intelligence operations in Northern Ireland, raised the hackles, particularly those of the late Portadown-born Evening News film critic, Alexander Walker.

But then Loach thrives on controversy and is universally loved by the Festival.

The film opens on June 23.