Project Detail

The Battle for Barking

Name: The Battle for Barking
Director: Laura Fairrie
Genre: Woman Director, Drama
Released: 2010
Duration: 84 mins

Synopsis

This film is a unique documentary event: with unrivalled access, it follows both sides in a political battle during a year long campaign which attracted worldwide headlines.

Labour MP Margaret Hodge, a Jewish immigrant, is defending the parliamentary seat of Barking in the British general election from a challenge by the leader of the right wing British National Party, Nick Griffin, who has a big following amongst disenchanted white working class voters.

With building tension, as violence erupts on the streets, the film shows the strategies of both parties and the eventual denouement on election night.

Described as 'remarkable' by the Observer newspaper, the film will be of particular interest in countries where there is a populist rightwing or racist party.