TAILWIND A Documentary Film Screening. (2008. 86mins)
Directed by Ireland's Award Winning Film Director
John T Davis.
Presented and Sponsored by
The Polish Social & Cultural Association Limited
In Association with Arts Ireland
In 1939, at the outbreak of World War II, there were three airfields in Northern Ireland. By the
end of the War there were 26 – in his latest film, Ireland’s acclaimed Feature Documentary
Filmmaker, John T Davis, whose previous works include the cult movies 'Hobo', ‘Shell Shock
Rock’ and 'Route 66’, turns his camera on home-ground, to tell the untold story of World War
II in Northern Ireland.
Tailwind is the story of Northern Ireland's role in the air war, when tens of thousands of pilots
and aircrew from every Allied Nation came to prepare themselves – and their aircraft – for
frontline action. For many, Ulster would be their final resting place...killed not in action, but in
accidents. There were as many air crew lost in crashes as there were killed in combat.
Davis weaves his powerful film, from the personal memories and stories of the Pilots and
Aircrew, from Northern Ireland, Poland, Canada, New Zealand and the United States; and from
the recollections of the WAFFs, Civiliansand the Ulster ‘War Brides;’ The film pays special
tribute to all of the Fighter Pilots of The Polish Air Force, who were based, for a time, in
Northern Ireland.
During the making of Tailwind, Davis, was fortunate to have met and included The Late
General Tadeusz Andersz, filmed at The Polish Cultural Centre in London, whom he was
introduced to, by Polish filmmakerMarrek Borzecki. He also included The Late Paul
Wojciechowicz, who married a local girl and stayed in Northern Ireland until his death in
2010.
This special film screening of ‘Tailwind’ at The Polish Cultural Centre London, is dedicated to
the memory of all of The Polish Fighter Pilots, from World War II, who were based in Northern
Ireland –
Especially The Late General Tadeusz Andersz DFC (315 Squadron) and The Late Paul
Wojciechowicz, who were both stationed at Ballyhalbert Airfield and who appear in the film.
Davis wanted to make Tailwind, to pay tribute to all of those who fought for Freedom and
Liberty, in the fight against fascism in WWII. Sadly since making the film, seven of those who
were interviewed, have died. Davis feels extremely privileged to have been able to capture their
stories. He is very proud that this film offered these Heroes, who are now in their late 80s and
90s, their last chance to tell their tale. He has dedicated Tailwind to his late parents, George and
Kaye. George was one of those the war brought from England to Northern Ireland - where he
met and fell in love with an Ulster girl. John T Davis says: “It’s been a real privilege to work
with people of my parents’ generation who lived through the war. To me, they are real heroes,
and so many of them risked so much. “
Following the screening of TAILWIND, there will be a special Q&A with the Film’s
Director John T Davis.
The screening of TAILWIND on September 3rd 2011 is part of the annual commemorations to
the memory of Polish fallen airmen. Earlier in the day, (at 12 noon) wreaths will be laid at the
Polish Air Force Memorial at Northolt.
The Screening of Tailwind will take place on
Saturday 3 September 2011 at 6.15pm
at
(POSK)
238-246 King Street
London W6 ORF