Fire

Directed by Steve McQueen & James Rogan. This three part documentary about the New Cross fire in 1981 also comes across as a companion piece to McQueen's Small Axe films also for the BBC.

The first episode of the documentary gives a background to the social and political context of 1970s and early 80s Britain.

Contributors talk about how mainstream politicians and far right groups such as the National Front had the language of how immigrant groups even if born in Britain did not belong in Britain.

Margaret Thatcher talks about people of different culture swamping Britain.

A former black policeman discusses the racism he experienced when he joined the force, a fellow officer was upfront about his support for the National Front. A former white police officer was candid in labelling the police as racists.

The fire was believed to have been started by racists. It was a 16th birthday party that started in the evening and went on all night as people crowded the three story house.

The description of the party made it sound like Lover's Rock, one of the Small Axe films.

The first part ends with shocking horror as the survivors describe the raging inferno and how they escaped from it. One man describes wiping the sweat from his face only to discover that it was his melting skin from the heat. Another woman reveals that she was only 11 at the time, her life might end before her life has even begun.

Given the poor nature of many current affairs documentaries these days. Uprising was refreshing. A story is woven of the tragedy, the victims names and pictures are displayed and the toxic background is not glossed over.