New documentary to feature NI schoolkids making First Communion
Two local school children are set to feature in a new documentary about making their First Holy Communion.
First Communion will air on BBC One NI on Monday, January 27 at 11.40pm followed by BBC One on January 28.
Every year, thousands of seven and eight year-olds across the UK take their First Holy Communion - an important rite of passage in the Catholic Church.
Read more: TV shows and movies filmed in NI to get excited for in 2025
The documentary offers a unique glimpse into the world of Holy Communion Season in the UK, capturing the emotional highs and lows through the eyes of the children and their families and asks what place does this ancient ritual have in the modern world.
It will follow Tia from West Belfast and Niall from Lurgan as they meet this new milestone.
A description reads: "It’s a sacred ceremony but the celebrations, parties, outfits and even the hair are getting bigger each year.
"First Communion follows four children and their families as they prepare for their First Holy Communion, one of the biggest days of their lives so far.
"Tia lives in West Belfast with her mum, dad and four siblings. She is determined to have a huge First Communion Day party fit for a princess.
"Niall lives with his mum and his granny in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. He loves learning and has spent weeks preparing with his class and teacher for the big day. He takes his religious studies very seriously, despite his family’s lapse in faith.
"But when his granny is faced with a life changing diagnosis, Niall’s communion day, and their faith, takes on a new meaning.
"The film examines modern families and their relationship with the Catholic Church. Through a diverse cast of characters, it explores the changing role of faith in the UK, offering insight from a child’s perspective."
The documentary will also follow two schoolgirls, Seren and Magdalena, who live in England and are also preparing for their big day.
First Communion is a Walk On Air Films production for BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Factual and was commissioned at part of the Hot House commissioning initiative with support from Northern Ireland Screen.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here