Ireland’s blasphemy laws prohibit release of Louis Theroux’s new doc

When it comes to documentary-makers, Louis Theroux is, undoubtedly, up there with the greatest.

From his in-depth analysis of a sex-offenders institution in the United States to his commentary on Ultra Zionists in the West Bank, the British filmmaker has an uncanny knack for ingratiating himself with his subjects – a skill which ultimately provides viewers with a clearer understanding of the matter at hand.

It is, perhaps, this skill which perfectly placed Louis to explore the teachings behind one of the world's most controversial religions, Scientology, in his latest project  My Scientology Movie.

Unfortunately for Irish movie-goers, however, we won't be afforded the opportunity to catch the highly-anticipated feature flick due to Ireland's blasphemy laws and Defamation Act of 2009 which states than any "publication or utterance of blasphemous matter" against any religion is an offence and carries a fine of €25,000.

Taking to Twitter to confirm the reports, Graham Spurling, owner of Movies@Dundrum, Movies@Swords, Movies@Gorey and SGC Dungarvan, tweeted his thoughts.
 

So jealous of @CurzonCinemas NO Irish release for us in @MoviesDundrum @MoviesSwords @moviesatgorey @SGCDungarvan https://t.co/rznRRN0MpS

— GRAHAM (@grahams_graham) September 25, 2016

The film is set for release in the UK on October 14h.