A selection of documentaries spanning the decades, examining the dreams and aspirations of each generation of ‘youth’ past. Where possible, these classic films are being screened from original formats including 35mm, presenting a rare chance to see these hard-to-catch films on the big screen. This essential double-bill of short docs culminates with LSFF With Teeth‘s commission by filmmaker Grace Ladoja, a celebration of subculture in London today.

PART ONE: FIFTIES, SIXTIES & SEVENTIES

Teddy boys to hippies, these decades of growth saw a new generation of young people with aspirations and dreams alongside new money to realise them. The revolutions of these times shaped the modern world.
WE ARE THE LAMBETH BOYS Karel Reisz, 48 min, UK 1958

On the cusp of adulthood, this film follows South London teens at work, at home and at leisure, filmed handheld in the characteristic black and white of ‘Free Cinema’ realism, giving the boys space to express their frustrations, apprehensions and aspirations.

BAREFOOT AND WITHOUT A HAT Jürgen Böttcher, 26 min, Germany 1964

Parties and good times intersperse sober moments of contemplation for Barefoot and Without a Hat’s twenty-something subjects. They discuss their past achievements and dreams, reflecting a serious future within the DDR at odds with the carefree, colourful attitude of the Sixties

SEAN Ralph Arlyck, 14 min, US 1970

With its rare and frank portrayal of this barefoot, mop-topped child, Sean drew both acclaim and tapped into a generational anxiety of those who saw society’s moral failings as the Seventies progressed.