The Peoples Account

In 1985, three major uprisings rocked Britain, in Brixton, Handsworth and Tottenham. The most explosive was the latter, on the Broadwater Farm housing estate, which resulted in the death of PC Keith Blakelock as well as in hundreds of arrests and a number of prison sentences. The uprisings in both Brixton and Tottenham were sparked by police shootings of innocent black mothers. The People's Accoung was shot during and after the Tottenham uprising. Made by the Ceddo Film and Video Workshop, it was commissioned by Channel 4, but was never shown as the broadcaster objected to its accusations of police racism.

Directed by Milton Bryan, The Peoples Account leans on a strong ensemble — Lola Young, Johnathan Burn, Philip Wright — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1986.