CHIRSTY BROWN: SELF PORTRAIT

project info

Christy Brown was an artist who broke through barriers—an extraordinary poet, painter, and author whose life and work were shaped by profound challenges and an indomitable spirit. While My Left Foot secured his place in cultural history, there is far more to Christy’s story than the celebrated memoir.

This documentary showcases Alex Verner’s first venture into factual documentary writing, expanding his role as a creative voice engaging with and enriching the Irish cultural landscape. Through a carefully crafted script, the film uncovers Christy’s multifaceted identity, his turbulent personal relationships, and the driving force behind his art. Narrated by Aidan Gillen and featuring Saoirse Ronan’s evocative readings, the film invites audiences to encounter Christy anew—through his words, his work, and the reflections of those who knew him best.

Shot, Directed, and Edited by Alex Verner, and Produced by Joel Verner for RTÉ.

“Elegantly directed by Alex Verner, the documentary did a fine job returning some of the innate darkness and complexity to a life story that has been sentimentalised”
— Liam Fay, Sunday Times