BFI Film Academy

BFI Film Academy

FREESTYLE is a brand new film created by young filmmakers in partnership with the HOME BFI Film Academy.

A collection of the region’s young up and coming filmmakers have released a new film exploring some of the issues and ideas connected to the legacy of the Peterloo Massacre 200 years on, as part of the HOME BFI Academy 2018.

FREESTYLE was made by young filmmakers from across the region who explored the legacy of the Peterloo Massacre as part of the HOME BFI Academy 2018, in partnership with Manchester Histories.

The BFI Film Academy is an intensive film training course for passionate filmmakers aged 16-19 funded by the British Film Institute and delivered by providers across the UK.

Young people explored the themes of the Peterloo Massacre (16 August 1819) from a contemporary perspective; looking at comparative issues of freedom of speech, democracy and protest 200 years on. The Peterloo Massacre began as a peaceful demonstration in Manchester for rights and representation with thousands gathering to express their views; the young filmmakers have been looking at what freedom of speech means to them in current times.

The film has premiered at HOME and is now available to view below and it will also be submitted to international film festivals taking place throughout 2019.

The partnership between HOME and Manchester Histories is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund to mark the 200th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre.

Enormous thanks to our partners and funders