WATCH: TG4 to air film about Irish surgeon who discovered aggressive form of lymphoma

"Burkitt" is a creative documentary film about the life of Irish surgeon Denis Burkitt who discovered Burkitt's lymphoma - as told by first-time filmmaker Éanna Mac Cana - a survivor of this cancer.

This enigmatic film, airing on TG4 on May 21,  tells the remarkable life story of how Dr. Denis Burkitt discovered Burkitt's lymphoma and Mac Cana’s own experience of this cancer.

Dr. Burkitt, originally from County Fermanagh, made groundbreaking contributions to cancer research, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa during the 1950s and 60s.

This film is not just a historical retelling but also an intimate portrayal of Éanna’s own personal journey with this disease —having been diagnosed and treated for Burkitt’s lymphoma in 2017.

What makes this documentary truly unique is that much of it is told through Dr. Burkitt’s personal archival films and photographs, combined with Éanna’s own recordings from his time in treatment in Belfast City Hospital.

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TG4

The film beautifully highlights the creative ways both men approached the challenges of cancer—Dr. Burkitt in finding a cure, and Éanna in using creativity to cope with his diagnosis.

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Éanna Mac Cana in hospital in Belfast. TG4

This notable film examines the non-linear impact of trauma, colonialism and the ethics of medical work. We believe this film will deeply resonate with not only the medical community but also those with lived experience of cancer and those overcoming traumatic events. The films was funded by TG4, NI Screen, Irish Language Broadcast Fund & Little Ease Films.

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Denis and Olive Burkitt. TG4

"Burkitt" premiered at Docs Ireland in June 2024 before screenings as part of the 36th Galway Film Fleadh & Science Week Ireland later that year. The film continued to screen across the UK & Ireland in Feb 2025 as part of a tour of cinemas, medical universities & Irish language centers before having its US Premiere as part of the Capital Irish Film Festival in Washington D.C.

In Mar 2025 "Burkitt" opened the InScience Film Festival in the Netherlands before it was then selected the following month to screen in competition at the 60th Academia Film Olomouc - Europe’s leading Science Festival - where it won Best Debut Film.

Burkitt airs on Wednesday, May 21 at 9.30pm on TG4 and on the TG4 Player.

Watch the trailer below: