Young Soul Rebels

A film by Isaac Julien

In the long hot summer of 1977, London prepared for the Silver Jubilee celebrations to the sounds of the burgeoning punk, soul and funk scenes.

Soul boys Chris (Valentine Nonyela) and Caz (Mo Sesay), a pair of pirate radio DJs, broadcast their show from a friend’s garage, tussling with the local skinheads, and clubbing with Chris’ sassy music-industry girlfriend Tracy (Sophie Okonedo).

But social and sexual tensions in the community reach boiling point following the murder of a local black gay man.

With its soulful soundtrack – with Funkadelic, X-Ray Spex, Parliament, Sylvester and more – and enthusiastic young cast, this Cannes Critics’ Week prize-winner is an engaging and sensitive drama from acclaimed artist and filmmaker Isaac Julien.