Film bosses ready for protests over Bloody Sunday drama

Film bosses are preparing for protests over plans to film a drama about Bloody Sunday.

The film will cover events in Derry's Bogside area in 1972, when 13 Catholics were shot dead by army paratroopers.

Protestant groups are expected to object, but writer and director Paul Greengrass denies the film will be pro-IRA.

Orange and Protestant groups could make representations to the British Government about the film, which is likely to be funded by the Film Council, which is a public body.

Portman Film and Granada are co-producing Bloody Sunday, with Irish actor James Nesbitt, from TV's Cold Feet, in one of the leading roles.

A senior source close to the production says: "We know there is a lot of opposition to the film from within Northern Ireland.

"People there would sooner the matter was dropped. We expect threats to be made. They usually are in these situations. But Paul's script is compassionate and absorbing. This is not a whitewash by any means."

The film goes into production later in March in Derry and Dublin.