Babylon (1980)

Screening as part of BFI's Rip it Up season, which explores and celebrates the changing face of youth rebellion, culture and expression on screen. 

See any 3 films in the season for £24 when you book them together  – simply add the tickets to your basket and the offer will be applied at check-out.

While hoping to win a Sound System competition, Blue (Brinsley Forde) looks to fight against the struggles he faces as a Black man in 1980s Britain. 

Set against the backdrop of a newly-installed Thatcher government, the end of punk and the rise of mod and ska, and featuring a raucous reggae soundtrack, Babylon is a potent mix of music and social realism. Screenwriter Martin Stellman (Quadrophenia) and director Rosso (Dread, Beat and Blood) present an uncompromising look at urban survival on the streets of South London, expertly shot by celebrated cinematographer Chris Menges (The Killing Fields).