Film Lens
Who Killed Colin Roach? is Isaac Julien's first film, focusing on the death of Colin Roach, a 23-year-old who was shot at a police station in East London in 1982. The film questions the police's claim that Roach committed suicide, presenting evidence that contradicts this narrative. Julien's work serves as a response to the riots and challenges fixed perceptions of black cultures, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own identities.
The film runs for 35 minutes and is set against the backdrop of a significant event in British history. It addresses the implications of Roach's death within the context of systemic issues faced by the black British community, making it a critical commentary on race relations in the UK during the early 1980s.
Why Watch
- •See the evidence contradicting police claims about Colin Roach.
- •Find out how Roach's death relates to the 1980s riots.
- •Meet Isaac Julien's early filmmaking perspective.
Did You Know
•Colin Roach was shot in 1982 at a police station in East London.
•The film is Isaac Julien's first work, released in 1983.
•The documentary has a runtime of 35 minutes.
Perfect For
Black British historyPolice accountability1980s London culture