Part of 'Under the Tower' trilogy
Filmed on the streets of the East End of London between spring 1994 and summer 1995, Island Race contrasts ordinary, everyday events with actions by right wing extremists, counter anti-racist demonstrations, the funeral of a gangland leader, and jingoistic street parties celebrating Victory in Europe Day.
Using just picture and sound, with no added commentary, the audience is given the space to draw their own conclusions about the film's portrayal of English national identity in the late 1990s. (WR)