U1D Documentary Synopsis

UK YOUTH: A 60YEAR JOURNEY

“What is happening to our young people? They disrespect their elders, they disobey their parents. They ignore the law. They riot in the streets…” Plato, 4^th Century BC

Since the inception of ‘young people’ as a social group in the 1950’s this view has been repeated with every new generation. With each new movement in youth culture the media has commonly reacted with an image of young people as dangerous, lawless, out of control and worse than ever. Our achievements are rarely emphasised and as the support of community centres and youth clubs are replaced by estate agents, cafes and half finished office blocks it’s time to take another look at the past and the positive role young people have played in fighting for equality, personal freedoms and ultimately the improvement of society. In the 60 years that the British Youth Council has been empowering young people a surprising list of people have passed through it’s door and gone on to hold various positions of influence and authority. Where are they now and what do they have to say about their youth and the situation of young people today? Who are their modern day counterparts who a working to make things better right now and what are their aims for the future of young people?

This is the overlooked story. A story of change, of young people challenging the status quo and the powers that be; campaigning on issues and fighting to get their voices heard for the benefit of everyone.

The British Youth Council (BYC) has recruited ten young people to make a documentary film based on British youth culture over the last 60 years. BYC aim to focus on the political movements and personal stories in which young people have been able to have an impact, make a difference and get involved with the issues of the day.

The project also aims to demonstrate the importance and process of looking at the past and recognising the cultural heritage of young people across the UK. In the journey taken by the production team the film will promote an active interest in cultural heritage and demonstrate how easy it is to access from sources like the British Library and the British Film Institute.

Movements that will be examined include:Voting age, Anti Apartheid, 1968 (Year of youth), Gender equality, politics and the law and reactions to armed conflict.

Contributors include:

MP’s, Journalists, Campaigners/ Activists, Youth groups/ Young people and Artists