Burning an Illusion

+ intro by actor Cassie McFarlane

Shabazz’s groundbreaking drama debut follows a young woman on a journey to enlightenment.

  • Director

    Menelik Shabazz

  • With

    Cassie McFarlane, Victor Romero Evans, Beverley Martin

  • UK 1981. 105min

  • Digital (restoration)

  • Certificate

    15

  • A BFI release

Produced and released at a time of great injustice during the widespread struggle for civil rights, this powerful coming-of-age tale follows the story of a young woman’s emerging political and emotional development. Its urgent message of the need for awareness on a personal but also a social level is no less urgent today. It’s also a reminder of the richness of Black music, of Lovers Rock and of a vibrant Reggae culture in which women played a prominent role. This restored version (for later release on Blu-Ray) shows the film in its original splendour.

See our Menelik Shabazz season.

Also available on BFI Player