Dir. Isaac Julien
1991 | 105 mins | UK, France, Germany, Spain | English
Valentine Nonyela, Mo Sesay, Dorian Healy

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In partnersip with Out There Queer Fest

This newly BFI remastered landmark of Black, Queer & British film paints an authentic picture of late 70s London.

Youth culture and identity define this part-thriller, part-gay love story, part hang-out movie set in the simmeringly tense days before the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations. Pirate radio DJs (and fashion icons) Chris and Caz spend their nights spinning discs at the local underground club that offers a home to anyone who feels different. Chris’ days are spent trying to get a legitimate radio show that celebrates funk and soul, while Chaz’s world is shattered after learning that his friend TJ was murdered while cruising in the park. The black community suspects the National Front are behind the killing, but the police have other ideas…

Young Soul Rebels explores British sub-cultures, community and prejudice in its unique and complex story. Whether you love soul, punk or queer cinema this film is sure to make you feel mighty real.

Starring Sophie Okonedo in her cinematic debut and directed by Isaac Julian.

About Rip It Up Season

Youth. Music. Culture.

Three films. Three generations. One shared story of youth culture, music and the need to find your people.

From the pirate radio DJs of late-70s London, to the rave-fuelled chaos of 90s Cardiff and Edinburgh, to the legendary Warehouse in Plymouth, these films capture moments when music became more than a soundtrack — it became a way of life.

Young Soul Rebels, Trainspotting, Human Traffic and W: A Return to Oz take us inside the clubs, streets and spaces where young people found freedom, friendship, rebellion and escape. From punk and pirate radio to rave and the dancefloor, these are stories about the sounds that shaped generations — and the generations that shaped the culture around them.

Whether you were there or you’re discovering it for the first time, turn it up and experience these defining moments of British youth culture on the big screen.

BBFC Rating
Rated 15 – strong sex, nudity, racism, language, drug misuse, sexual threat

Venue: Studio 74, Exeter Phoenix

*Subject to a £1.50 ticketing system charge. We don’t charge this to make a profit. Find out more >>