Northern Visions & NVTV

The Charles Thomson Collection

Alistair Reddick — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 10:58:47 +0000

Dr Dayna Jost and paper conservator Sean Madden preview some of the historical artefacts on show at the Ulster-Scots Centre that tell the story of Charles Thomson’s journey from early tragedy, his father died during the family’s voyage to America, to national prominence as Secretary of the Continental Congress, the body responsible for producing the Declaration of Independence.

Part of the 250th anniversary celebrations commemorating the United States Declaration of Independence.

Along Black River: The Witherspoon Chronicle

Alistair Reddick — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:59:12 +0000

Along Black River: The Witherspoon Chronicle explores an Ulster-Scots journey from Greyabbey to South Carolina.

Produced as part of the US 250th Anniversary, Along Black River – The Witherspoon Chronicle is a new documentary from NVTV in which historian Dr. David Hume follows a remarkable Ulster-Scots story from Greyabbey in County Down to the swamps, rivers and settlements of South Carolina, tracing the journey of the Witherspoon family and the legacy they left behind on both sides of the Atlantic.

Rich in landscape, family memory and historical reflection, the documentary begins in Greyabbey before moving to the Black River region of South Carolina, where descendants, historians and local custodians help piece together the story of early Ulster settlers who left County Down in search of a new life.

At the heart of the programme is the story of John and Janet Witherspoon and the wider family network that followed them, settled the Williamsburg area and helped establish a lasting Ulster-Scots presence in the region.

Producer/director Dean Hagan said: “Along Black River is about much more than one family story. It’s about migration, endurance, faith and memory and the ways in which Ulster-Scots history travelled far beyond these shores while still remaining deeply connected to home.” Funded by the Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund, Along Black River – The Witherspoon Chronicle continues NVTV’s commitment to telling thoughtful and accessible stories that explore Ulster-Scots heritage in a fresh and engaging way, connecting local history in Northern Ireland with the wider global story of migration and identity.

You can find more Ulster-Scots content at https://ulsterscots.nvtv.co.uk/

Our Parlour: Patience Bradley

Alistair Reddick — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:05:44 +0000

Maryann Quigley talks to author Patience Bradley about how getting a dog which she named Princess Mary inspired her debut children’s book, “Princess Mary’s Journey to Find True Love,” published on her late husband’s birthday. The book tells the heartwarming story of a puppy’s journey from Poland to Northern Ireland.

Alexander Bowman Blue Plaque: ‘The People’s Champion’

Alistair Reddick — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 11:54:32 +0000

Alexander Bowman was a pioneering trade unionist, the first secretary of the Belfast Trades Council and later president of the Irish Trades Union Congress. He is commemorated with a blue plaque from the Ulster History Circle at the ICTU offices in Belfast.

Cuckoo-land

Alistair Reddick — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 11:46:33 +0000

Interviews with Director Paula McFetridge and cast member Caroline Curran about Cuckoo-Land – a high-voltage gig theatre piece about the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition. It tells the story of how these women, facing heckling and misogyny, built a party from the ground up and fought for equality and human rights.

Banterflix: 3rd July 2026

Alistair Reddick — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:52:31 +0000

Guests Claire McCullough and Alan Meban review Super Girl, Comic Book Guys Aaron Flanagan discusses the character’s origins, and director Joe Fria talks about his horror movie, Shadows of Willow Cabin and we wrap up as we talk about the Michael, as it finally arrives on VOD platforms.

Charles Thomson: Irish Emigrant, American Founder

Alistair Reddick — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:57:02 +0000

Lecture by Courtney McKinney-Whitaker at the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre charting revolutionary hero Charles Thomson’s journey from early tragedy, journey to America, to national prominence as Secretary of the Continental Congress, the body responsible for producing the Declaration of Independence.

Part of the 250th anniversary celebrations commemorating the United States Declaration of Independence.

Banterflix: 26th June 2026

Alistair Reddick — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:59:47 +0000

Jess Blair and Nicole Hamilton join Jim and review Toy Story Five as Wood, Buzz, Jessie and co return to the big screen to battle new tech, our Pick Of The Streams is the dark comedy Over Your Dead Body and we talk about Michael Bay’s Armageddon, which is heading back to the cinemas as part of Cineworld’s Thrill seeker season.

Agrini: Italian artist based in Belfast

Alistair Reddick — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:03:06 +0000

Interview with Emanuela Mae Agrini, an Italian portrait artist and illustrator based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, whose work revolves around capturing the essence of the subject, often exploring how fashion and style contribute to the expression of their unique personalities.

As a portrait artist, her primary focus is on portraying the individuality and inner world of the people depicted. Style and fashion are integral parts of people’s identity, and her work incorporates these elements into portraits to highlight the essence of each subject. Emanuela’s work is characterized by expressive lines, vibrant colors, and dynamic patterns, blending traditional techniques with digital illustration.

Filmed, edited and directed by Jamie Finlay,

Banterflix: 19th June 2026

Alistair Reddick — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 11:41:10 +0000

Zara Jackson, Joe McElroy, and Jim McClean discuss Steven Spielberg’s return to the Sci-Fi genre with Disclosure Day, and The Birdcage’s 30th-anniversary return to the big screen, Nicole Hamilton reviews the sixth Scary Movie and Andrew Jones Cassidy takes a look at the reboot of Masters of the Universe.