"The N word died on my lips after Boyz N the Hood. Cream of a crop of 90s urban gangster tales, Boyz N the Hood succeeded where others failed. A reality check for the head nodding gangster glamour lovers it gave depth, feeling and meaning to its characters and setting. Still as real and relevant as ever before.”

- Edson Burton, Come The Revolution

Remarkably, John Singleton was only 23 years old when he wrote and directed what is now recognised as a seminal title, one that was instrumental in ushering in a new phase of black film making in the US.

Set against the backdrop of early eighties South Central LA, the film focuses on Tre Styles (Cuba Gooding Jr), a young man who is trying to navigate life in a community ravaged by drug addiction, poverty, gangs and police harassment. Hard hitting and direct, Singleton’s story has an authenticity that is ably delivered by a fine cast, including Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, Cuba Gooding Jr and Ice Cube who brings to his acting debut the same presence and rawness that characterised his writing and rapping for the notorious and influential N.W.A (make sure you check out Straight Outta Compton, the powerful story of the band, on Fri 4 Nov). 25 years on from its first release, with racial tension between black communities and the police in the US at fever pitch, this film feels as urgent and relevant as ever.

Presented by Come the Revolution and Ujima Radio as part of

These events are supported by Film Hub South West & West Midlands, part of the Film Audience Network, awarding funds from the National Lottery.

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