I Swear

Posted on 16 September 2025 by Pippa McClounan

Preview Screenings Begin 19 September – Across the UK & Ireland!

You may already be familiar with John Davidson - a passionate campaigner and activist who received an MBE in 2019. His life was first brought to public attention through the acclaimed documentary John’s Not Mad, which was voted one of the 50 Greatest Documentaries by the British public in 2005. But what sparked John’s journey into advocacy? A diagnosis of Tourette syndrome at the age of 15.

In 1980s Britain, when John was growing up, awareness of Tourette’s was virtually nonexistent. 

Now, his story is being retold in a powerful new biopic titled I Swear. The film offers a raw and moving account of John’s early struggles with stigma and isolation, and how he ultimately found resilience through adversity.

I Swear, written and directed by Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee), stars Robert Aramayo (The Rings of Power) as John, alongside Peter Mullan, Shirley Henderson, and Maxine Peake. Critics have praised the film as “laugh-out-loud funny,” deeply moving, and potentially life-changing.

Through I Swear, audiences will witness how John overcame prejudice to become a nationally recognised advocate for Tourette syndrome - culminating in his MBE, awarded by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Preview Screenings Begin 19 September – Across the UK & Ireland!

Be among the first to experience I Swear before its official release. Starting 19 September, special preview screenings will take place nationwide, each followed by an exclusive Q&A with director Kirk Jones. At select venues, John Davidson and members of the cast will also be in attendance - offering a rare chance to hear directly from the voices behind this powerful story.

Don’t miss out! Check below for screening dates and venues near you, and secure your seat for an unforgettable evening of film, conversation, and connection.

EDINBURGH – Friday 19^th September

at CAMEO Picturehouse

I Swear + Q&A | Showtimes and Tickets

 

NEWCASTLE – Sunday 21^st September

at Tyneside Cinema

I Swear (Preview + Q&A) - Tyneside Cinema

 

NOTTINGHAM – Monday 22^nd September

at Broadway Cinema

Preview: I Swear + Q&A | Broadway

 

DUBLIN – Tuesday 23^rd September

at two locations:

IFI - Irish Film Institute -I SWEAR

Lighthouse - I Swear + Director Q&A | Book Tickets - Showtimes | Light House Cinema Dublin Ireland

 

HULL – Wednesday 24^th September

at Odeon Luxe

I Swear + Q&A with Kirk Jones & Robert Aramayo | Showtimes & Tickets

 

BRISTOL – Thursday 25^th September

at Everyman Bristol

I Swear + Live Q&A Showtimes & Tickets - Everyman Cinema

 

MANCHESTER – Tuesday 30^th September

at HOME

Preview/ I Swear (15) + Q&A — The inspiring true story of a man who gave voice to a community. | HOME

 

SHEFFIELD – Wednesday 1^st October

at Showroom

Preview: I Swear + Director Q&A | Showroom Cinema

 

LEEDS – Thursday 2^nd October

at Leeds Hyde Park Picturehouse

I Swear

 

BIRMINGHAM – Friday 3^rd October

at Midlands Art Centre

Film Stories presents I Swear + Q&A | Midlands Arts Centre

 

CARDIFF – Mon 6^th October

at Chapters Arts Centre

Chapter | I Swear + Q&A

 

CAMBRIDGE – Tuesday 7^th October

at The Light

I Swear - Cambridge - The Light

 

LONDON – Wednesday 8^th October

at Picturehouse Central

I Swear + Q&A | Showtimes and Tickets

 

LONDON – Thursday 9^th October

at Ritzy Brixton

I Swear + Q&A | Showtimes and Tickets

 

Watch the film trailer here

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