Burning an Illusion

Director Menelick Shabazz had already caught the turbulence of this time period with ‘Blood Ah Go Run’, a documentary following the protests around the tragedy of the New Cross Fire in January of the same year. For his first narrative feature, Shabazz takes the cinematic tradition of social realism to craft a beautiful story about a young woman called Pat, and her journey of self discovery. Though she initially seeks security in the thought of becoming a wife to her volatile boyfriend Del, their lives are turned upside down when he is arrested in an instance of police brutality. Throughout the film, we get to see her power and autonomy blossom outside of patriarchal expectations: from a strong sense of political solidarity with women in her community. A truly fantastic film about the working class struggle from the perspective of Britain’s first, Black female protagonist. There will be hot drinks and refreshments provided. Please stick around for a post-screening discussion!