Why we picked it – A joyous film of resilience that celebrates adolescent female friendship.

Synopsis – Rocks is a teenage girl growing up in the multi-ethnic community of Tower Hamlets. She has big dreams for the future, loyal friends and an adoring younger brother. When her unstable mother leaves home, her world turns upside down, and the days that follow are a grim odyssey. A film that could easily have slipped into miserabilist kitchen-sink drama concludes in a life-affirming way.

The film – Gavron and the two writers developed the film largely through extensive workshops with its young cast discovered through casting sessions in local schools. Shooting the film was informal with two cameras running to capture the action as it developed. Bukky Bakray, who plays Rocks, won the BAFTA Rising Star award for her essential central performance.

Director: Sarah Gavron, Writers: Theresa Ikoko & Claire Wilson, Cinematography: Hélène Louvart, UK 2019 93 mins (12A)

Links – imdb entry Guardian review FT review Daily Telegraph review

Trivia: The film has to set new records for female involvement. The crew consisted of 75% women.