Every film star tells a story – one about the time and place they come from. Working Class Heroes is a collection of films lit up by the charisma of working class stars, a celebration of fine actors and remarkable leading roles. Together they reveal a Britain where for a time at least, big-screen stars came from comprehensives and council houses. The story begins in the socially mobile 1960s as young working class talent exploded through music, fashion and film. In the hard-edged 80s, Bob Hoskins became a much-loved male lead. Then in the 90s, a new mood saw a series of inventive British films built around working class faces. Beyond angry young men, the school of working class heroines stretched from Carol White to Vicky McClure – while modern British cinema spot-lit the junction of race and class. This season brings together the bold, powerful and provocative films that can be made when working class stars have the chance to shine.

BFI Programmer Danny Leigh