This is England + Short Film

ROE-BELLIOUS YOUTH! BFI FAN Rip It Up Season  

Youth, rebellion and the films that shaped us...  

What does rebellion look like today? And how much has really changed for young people across generations?  

As part of BFI FAN’s Rip It Up season, this youth-led programme brings landmark British films together with original shorts made by BA Film students from the University of Roehampton. Exploring identity, belonging, rebellion and self-expression, the programme looks at how young people have challenged expectations, questioned authority and found their place in a changing world.  

Each screening pairs a classic British feature with a student-made short responding to its themes from a present-day perspective. From political disillusionment and social division to digital dependence, gender expectations and uncertainty about the future, these pairings create a conversation between the young people represented on screen and those making films today- exploring how rebellion and ambition have changed, and what remains surprisingly familiar.  

The students have selected the feature films, created the accompanying shorts and will introduce each screening, bringing a fresh perspective to the films and their themes.  

Come and experience how youth rebellion has evolved through iconic British cinema, alongside the fresh perspectives of filmmaking today!  

Short Film: Flag Shagger

In this short film, directed by Jamie Hodge, Flag Shagger follows Diane, an inquisitive teenager who becomes curious when she discovers a boy her age putting up a flag on a lamp post. Determined to understand its meaning, she investigates further, leading her to an unexpected discovery about the people involved. A short exploration of curiosity, identity and the assumptions we make about others.

Dir/Run Time: TBD  

Main Feature: This Is England

Shane Meadows’ acclaimed coming-of-age drama follows 12-year-old Shaun as he finds friendship and belonging within a group of skinheads, before being drawn into the influence of far-right nationalism. A powerful exploration of youth, identity, belonging and political division.