Young Soul Rebels + Q&A

London, 1977. In the days leading up to the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, the hedonistic world of pirate DJs Chris (Valentine Nonyela) and Caz (Mo Sesay) is shattered when a close friend is killed while cruising in the local park. The Black community suspect the National Front, but the police have other ideas.

A landmark for Black (and queer) British film, Isaac Julien’s bold and stylish debut feature paints a convincing picture of late 70s London. Julien confidently blends elements of coming-of-age, romance and thriller storytelling in depicting the changing landscape of the city as a place where community, youth culture and identity politics collide.

The screening will be followed by a live onstage Q&A with Mo Sesay. Hosted by Enva Lewis.

As part of the BFI’s nationwide Rip It Up season, Birmingham actress and MAC cinema devotee Enva Lewis (How To Have Sex, Your Fault: London) has put together a season of films about the defiance, joy and vulnerability of growing up as a city kid in Britain. 

Enva Lewis on why she chose Young Soul Rebels: ‘One of my favourite things about film is seeing the recommended titles of a genre, then scratching the surface and realising there’s a whole multitude of lesser known worlds beneath it! This film explores so many of London’s styles and subcultures and bravely toys with what ‘England’ really is. I love the style, the music, the conversations and the fact that on occasion, we can all come together and dance. Dedicated to my poppa. You’re my hero - the original soul rebel. Thank you for encouraging me to rebel and sharing your records with me.’