The Flats

The Flats is a documentary set in the New Lodge area of Belfast, a Catholic district heavily impacted by the violence of the Troubles. The film examines the lasting trauma and social neglect experienced by the residents of these high-rise apartments. Through the efforts of a man named Joe, who is joined by neighbors such as Angie, Sean, and Jolene, the community revisits and reenacts collective childhood memories to understand how the conflict shaped their lives and their neighborhood. The narrative highlights the residents' resilience, idealism, and sense of humor more than twenty years after the ceasefire.

The film was directed and written by Alessandra Celesia. It is a co-production between Belgium, France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, involving production companies such as Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Doc Society, Films de Force Majeure, and Thank You & Good Night Productions. The producing team included John McIlduff, Jeremiah Cullinane, and Jean-Laurent Csinidis. Released on January 15, 2025, the documentary has a runtime of 116 minutes.