Showtime acquired Nothing Compares directed by Kathryn Ferguson (Taking the Waters, Space to Be), the documentary charting Sinéad O’Connor’s phenomenal rise to worldwide fame and examines how she used her voice at the height of her stardom before her iconoclastic personality led to her exile from the pop mainstream. Focusing on Sinéad’s prophetic words and deeds from 1987 to 1993, the film presents an authored, richly cinematic portrait of this fearless trailblazer through a contemporary feminist lens.
Nothing Compares, Ferguson’s documentary feature directorial debut, was an official selection in the World Cinema Documentary Competition at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. Showtime is planning a theatrical release later this year in the U.S., UK and Ireland ahead of the Showtime premiere.
The archive-led documentary features era-defining music videos and concert performances alongside previously unseen footage from this period. The film is underpinned by a new interview with Sinéad herself, in which she reflects on events in her own words, and from a present-day perspective. Intimate first-hand contributor interviews add to the tapestry with additional insights from contemporary artists, musicians and social commentators introducing broader themes of Irish history, politics and global activism, all the while reflecting on Sinéad’s artistry, impact and legacy.
“When we began making this documentary four years ago, a key objective was that we would one day be able to share the film with audiences around the world, and to celebrate Sinéad’s music and artistry with fans both old and new,” said Ferguson. “We’re delighted to be partnering with Showtime to achieve that.”
Belfast-born Ferguson is an innovative and boundary-pushing director who has focused on short-form work centered on identity, gender politics and community. Ferguson’s short documentary Taking the Waters premiered at Sheffield DocFest in 2018 and in 2021 she directed the short documentary Space to Be for The Guardian’s highly acclaimed documentary film series.