A NEW documentary telling the story of the laying of the first transatlantic communications cable 165 years ago hits theaters this week.
The “Cable That Changed the World” chronicles the eight-year task of achieving what many thought was impossible – creating a nearly instantaneous communications link between Europe and North America.
The documentary is narrated by actress Jessie Buckley and produced by RTÉ in association with University College Cork and Tyrone Productions.
“It was a real privilege for me to be part of this fascinating story of this group of visionary pioneers whose ambition and ingenuity was to develop a global communications system that would change the world,” said Buckley.
New era
The Cable that Changed the World examines the challenges faced by technology pioneers as they laid the cable between Valentia Island in County Kerry and Heart’s Content in Newfoundland, Canada.
The production details this crucial achievement in the history of communication using cinematography, graphics, historical reconstructions and rarely seen archival footage.
The first transmission via submarine cable took place on August 16, 1858 and read: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.”
A commemorative plaque at the Transatlantic Cable Museum on Valentia Island (Image: Sonder Visuals / Courtesy of Failte Ireland)Although it took eight years for the project to be fully launched, this transmission marked a new era in modern communication, as previously it had taken at least ten days for messages to travel by ship.
The revolutionary project laid the foundations for Ireland’s modern technology industry and its impact is still felt today.
There is also hope that the cable operators and communities featured in this story – Valentia Island and Heart’s Content – will be awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for helping to change the course of communications history and globalisation.
Definition of a technological event
“RTÉ Cork is delighted to have commissioned this world-class film which recognises and highlights the important role not only of Ireland but also of Kerry in one of the most important science stories,” said Colm Crowley, Director of RTÉ Cork.
Meanwhile, John FitzGerald, associate professor of English at UCC, who also served as executive producer, said the documentary “sheds new light on one of the defining technological events of modern times and the central role played by Ireland and the people of Valentia Island, Co. Kerry in it.”
The Cable that Changed the World, written and directed by Ruán Magan, airs on RTÉ One on Monday 12 August at 9.35pm and is also available on RTÉ Player.
It has also been supported by ARTE and the BBC and will be available on the BBC’s iPlayer service from August 14.
