Dr Ken Fero, Course Leader for the MA Global Media and Communications, will share the world premiere of his latest documentary feature Rebellion at the prestigious BFI London Film Festival, the UK’s leading international showcase for film.
Rebellion explores the fight for justice for the Bradford 12, twelve young South Asian activists from the United Black Youth League in Bradford in the early 1980s and charts their formative years as well as the actions which led to their imprisonment and trial. An epic documentary, it aims to amplify often unheard voices and share the story of those who became the Bradford 12 and those who fought for their freedom – spotlighting themes which resonate as strongly today as they did then.
Production also involved a number of Regent’s staff and students in integral creative and technical roles, reinforcing the interdisciplinary, practical approach embedded in the University’ learning and teaching.
Dr Fero, who produced and co-directed the film said: ‘The documentary contains unique archive footage, exclusive interviews and a reconstruction of the Bradford 12’s trial, where members of the group themselves as well their children and community activists and workers recreated key moments of the court case. It draws on radical intergenerational lived experience of struggle and resistance to create powerful imaginative realism – something which is essential in telling this story politically and passionately, as well as it being a ‘political’ film.
Working with students and colleagues to bring key themes and narratives to life within the feature was a brilliant experience, and a testament to the breadth and depth of skills, knowledge and expertise we have here at Regent’s.’
On Rebellion, Lynn Nwokorie from London Film Festival, wrote: ‘Revolution is the beat that drums through this electrifying story about the landmark case against the Bradford 12.
In 1981, 12 young Asian men stood trial on terrorism charges for defending Bradford from an imminent racist attack. Their fight for their city – and their freedom – became international news, awakening public consciousness to the rise of fascism and the far-right. Activist-filmmaker Ken Fero’s documentary plays out as a revolutionary and all-too-timely blueprint for the battle against political violence.’
Rebellion is screening at the BFI London Film Festival on 14 and 15 October, with a Q&A with Dr Fero following each screening.
Watch a trailer for Rebellion and find details of future screenings.
Learn more about Regent’s MA Global Media and Communications
Image: still from Rebellion