Gritty London drama ‘Rocks’ fancied for Bafta win
LONDON: ‘Rocks’ – an ode to multicultural London seen through the eyes of a joyful band of teenaged girls battling adversity through sisterhood – is an unexpected favourite at Sunday’s Baftas.
It follows the complicated life of Olushola, a BritishNigerian teenager nicknamed ‘Rocks’, played by 19-year-old Bukky Bakray, who grows up in the working class borough of Hackney.
When her mother unexpectedly disappears, Rocks is left with her younger brother, Emmanuel, and only a few pounds (euros, dollars) to survive. The outspoken young girl does everything she can to avoid social services, with the help of her close friends.
Director Sarah Gavron made a name for herself with ‘Suffragettes’ in 2015, tackling the story of the women who fought for the right to vote.
‘Rocks’, which was released in 2019, equally features strong women but they are played almost entirely by total novices.
The production team scoured local schools and drama clubs in east London to find the 13 to 15 year olds to play the girls.
The result is a film that is fresh and cheerful, yet bittersweet.
“It is film about the resilience, joy, and spirit of girlhood – those were the key ideas we wanted to explore,” Gavron, 50, told AFP.
‘Rocks’ has secured seven Bafta nominations, including some in the prestigious categories of best film, best actress and best director.
Bafta’s 2020 selection was criticised for the absence of black performers, but Gavron’s film and its diverse cast shake things up this year.
“It is considered an unusual film in that it centres on girls of colour – it seems amazing that in 2021, that is still unusual,” said Gavron.
She called this year’s nominations a ‘breakthrough’, expressing shock it has taken so long to recognise female, black or minority ethnic talent.
“The talent has always been out there, but it has not been recognised,” she said, paying tribute to those who have paved the way.
“We very much hope that now a generation of storytellers comes up, who can tell stories from diverse communities that reflect the world we live in.
“It would be a richer industry and have a broader audience if the stories can have this range.”