Babylon (1980) 15

Set in South London following Thatcher’s instalment as PM, Babylon follows dancehall DJ Blue (Brinsley Forde) who hopes to win a Sound System competition in Brixton. While pursuing his musical ambitions in the late 70s, Blue battles against the racism and xenophobia of employers, neighbours, police, and the National Front. With the end of punk and the rise of mod and ska, Babylon features a spectacular reggae and dub score which drives the film’s pulsing, narrative momentum.

Babylon’s influence on British culture and music is immense, it’s audio and visual language a touchstone for artists. The soundtrack and dialogue have been sampled and referenced by jungle, drum & bass, UK garage, dubstep and grime artists. Written by Martin Stellman (Quadrophenia) and directed by Franco Rosso (Dread, Beat and Blood), this cult classic is a visually compelling and masterfully executed look at Black British life in late 1970s and early 1980s Brixton.