The Black Nerds: YOUNG SOUL REBELS (1991) – 4K Restoration!

4k Restoration! 

On February 12th, The Black Nerds present Isaac Julien’s Young Soul Rebels at the Revue Cinema.

Isaac Julien’s Young Soul Rebels is a groundbreaking feature that pulses with vibrant energy, tackling race, sexuality, and identity through the lens of 1977 London’s underground music scene. Set against the backdrop of Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee and the rise of punk rock, the film follows the lives of two best friends—Chris (Valentine Nonyela) and Caz (Mo Sesay)—who run a pirate radio station, Soul Patrol, dedicated to funk, soul, and the music that defines their world. Their lives take a dark turn after their close friend TJ (Shyro Chung) is murdered while cruising late at night by an unseen white assailant. This brutal act of violence shakes their community and further exposes the fault lines of London’s racial and class divide.

As they navigate the complexities of being young Black men in a turbulent, racially divided society, Young Soul Rebels weaves a narrative full of tension, camaraderie, and resilience. Chris, ever the optimist, believes their talent can transcend barriers, while Caz, more reserved and wary, feels the oppressive weight of white hostility and homophobia in their neighborhood. Their diverging paths are further complicated by Caz’s romance with a punk rebel, Billibud (Jason Durr), and Chris’s relationship with Tracy (Sophie Okonedo, in her film debut), a sharp and determined young Black woman working to uplift their voices in a white-dominated radio station.

While the film delves into issues of violence, homophobia, and systemic racism, it also celebrates the exuberance of youth, music, and individuality. Julien’s film captures the spirit of rebellion—both in the music and fashion of the time—giving audiences a glimpse into the underground culture that shaped the lives of its protagonists. It’s not just a film about hardship; it’s a declaration of joy, defiance, and the transformative power of art.

The film’s soundtrack is an unforgettable character in its own right, seamlessly blending funk, soul, and punk. From Funkadelic’s psychedelic grooves to the raw energy of Poly Styrene and X-Ray Spex, the music reflects the characters’ search for identity and freedom. Director Isaac Julien’s selection of tracks fuels the film’s energy, providing a perfect sonic backdrop to the powerful visual aesthetic, which fuses the sharp tailoring of the soul boys with the anarchic punk rebellion of the era.

Young Soul Rebels masterfully captures the anguish of living in a fractured society, yet it also serves as a powerful testament to the transformative force of music and fashion as acts of resistance. Whether through the vibrant energy of a nightclub scene or the defiant edge of punk fashion, the film boldly illustrates how art—whether through music, style, or cinema—can create spaces of freedom and self-expression, even in the most oppressive of environments.

Join us this February as The Black Nerds present this rare cinematic gem at the Revue Cinema. 

-Faduma Gure

Part of the The Black Nerds series!

Cast/Crew Info
Director: Isaac Julien | Cast: Valentine Nonyela, Mo Sesay, Sophie Okonedo, Jason Durr, Dorian Healy