RIP IT UP: Ish (15)

Twelve-year-old Ismail 'Ish' Zia, a British Bangladeshi boy from Luton, grapples with profound loss, fractured friendships, and cultural identity during one transformative summer in this powerful coming-of-age film.

Still reeling from his mother's recent death, Ish navigates a strained bond with his best friend Maram, while confronting the harsh realities of being a young brown man in post-9/11 Britain - where suspicion and prejudice amplify his isolation.

Family tensions escalate alongside community pressures, forcing Ish to question his place in a world that feels increasingly hostile, as grief threatens to overwhelm his young heart. Amid these challenges, he discovers unexpected allies who offer genuine understanding, helping him rebuild step by step.

Through small acts of connection and resilience, Ish learns to channel his pain into personal strength, uncovering that healing emerges from vulnerability and the courage to forge new paths forward - even when surrounded by darkness.

With supporting activities by Raise The Bar CIC.

This screening is part of a 'Rip it Up!', a mini‑season of films exploring youth culture, identity and expression in the UK, hosted at Stretford Public Hall. Each screening is intended as an intergenerational event, pairing well‑known and contemporary films with youth‑led activity. Audiences can take part in creative activities including a zine‑making station, discussions, a post‑film DJ set, and a film-making workshop.

With free tickets for under‑25s, the programme is designed to be welcoming, low‑cost and accessible, creating space for younger voices while bringing people together through film, conversation and shared experience. This project is supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery Funding on behalf of BFI Film Audience Network.