If.... + 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: LUDO FM

Directed by second-year Film Production student Isaac McKell, LUDO FM'follows a teenager who discovers an old radio that can tune into only one secret station. As its broadcasts reach young people across the country, the mysterious radio show inspires them to rebel against the conditions and culture they were born into.

Dir/Run Time:TBD

Main Feature: If....

Lindsay Anderson’s rebellious classic follows a group of students at a rigid English boarding school as their frustration with authority and conformity reaches breaking point. A provocative exploration of youth rebellion, institutional power and the desire for freedom. Starring a superb Malcolm McDowell.