A series of films highlighting the intersection of music, fashion and youth counterculture, curated by GFT’s Young Ambassadors. The season celebrates youth creativity and rebellion across the decades, from Mods and Rockers to the heady underground Scottish rave scene of the 1990s. Screenings will be accompanied by specially commissioned programme notes from GFT Young Ambassadors.

Rip It Up is supported by the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from the National Lottery.

Thursday 1 October, 2026, 7.40 p.m.

Based on the 1973 rock opera album of the same name by The Who, this is the story of 1960s teenager Jimmy. At work, he slaves in a dead-end job. After, he shops for tailored suits and rides his scooter as part of the London Mod scene.

Ashort talk (approx. 15 minutes) before the screening when Casci Ritchie will discuss mods, music and fashion.

Tuesday 13 October, 2026 8.30 p.m.

Life in Glasgow, Scotland, is depressing for teens Ronnie (Robert Buchanan), Wal (Billy Greenlees), Andy (John Gordon Sinclair) and Vic (John Hughes), who are jobless and often contemplate bizarre ways of committing suicide. Ronnie thinks he may have a plan to change all this — he proposes carrying out a heist of sinks from a plumber’s warehouse, which he says are valuable because they are made of steel. Their plan, despite being intricate and extensive, is not exactly executed to the letter.

This screening is part of the BFI Rip It Up season,

Beats Plus Shorts plus Q & A – Wedneday 28 October, 2026 8 p.m.