Film screening: Pressure (1975)

A black teenager born in London tries to build a future in a society prejudiced against him in this groundbreaking Black British film.

When Tony leaves school, he encounters rejection at every turn and clashes with his Trinidadian parents. He seeks community and acceptance in the Black Power movement where he is further challenged.

Initially underappreciated, the film’s importance has since been recognised. This screening is of a new version restored by the British Film Institute.

‘Pressure’ will be introduced by Montel Gordon, a researcher at the University of Glasgow specialising in race and education. Gordon is a regular contributor to The Voice and The Jamaican Gleaner and has published in Vice, The Metro, and The Independent.

Introduction: 5:30pm to 5:45pm

Film running time: 5:45pm to 7:45pm

Come along from 3pm to see publications from the 1970s to the present day that relate to Black lives in Scotland, Black British Cinema, and Afro-Caribbean publishing.

These printed items will be available to view at Kelvin Hall on request throughout October. Please contact us if you would like to book a time to view the selection.

Content advisory:

The film is rated 15. There is strong language, a brief shot of male nudity and a bloody image of a slaughtered pig. Racial discrimination is experienced by the characters throughout, including police brutality. For further details see Pressure | BBFC

Watch the trailer.

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Host or Publisher The National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall