Riot

TX: Channel 4

2000

50 mins, Documentary

Director: John Akomfrah

Producers: Lina Gopaul and David Lawson

During the long hot summer of 1981 Toxteth, Liverpool was to become the site of the most turbulent eruption of civil disorder to take place on mainland Britain this century. Over a period of three days 500 people were arrested and several hundred police officers and members of the public were injured.

Riot is a fifty minute documentary on those events, told from the perspectives of the figures who played pivotal and sometimes conflicting roles in this drama of civil disorder. Interviewees include residents, journalists, police officers, politicians, and activist within the area who reflect on the events that led up to the riots.

Awards and Nominations

  • Dazzling Digital Award for Best Film 2000