From 30 May to 13 June, Bradford’s Pictureville Cinema is bringing the Northern Youth film season to life, diving deep into the experiences of young people up North. At the heart of this event is Bradford’s own Dominic Leclerc, known for his work on Skins, Shameless, and Sex Education. This collection offers a raw, honest look at what it’s like to grow up in the North – a story that’s often misunderstood or ignored by those down South.
But this isn’t just another film showcase. With Bradford gearing up to be the UK City of Culture 2025, Northern Youth serves as a platform to delve into how the lives and identities of Northern youth have shifted over time, especially in this digital era. It’s a moment for young people to see themselves on screen in a rare way, and for those from other places to experience life from a whole new perspective. It’s about finding the common threads while celebrating the unique vibes of Northern youth culture.
From Croydon to Bradford: same lines, different scripts
Bradford and Croydon might seem worlds apart, but they share a lot more than people realise. Both are multicultural, working-class cities with a spirit of resilience, though both have reputations that get lost in translation outside their areas. Bradford, with its diverse, youthful energy, is home to 26% of people under 18, making it the UK’s youngest city. Croydon isn’t far behind, with 23.1% of its population under 18. While Croydon’s time in the spotlight as the 2023 London Borough of Culture grabbed attention, Bradford is only just starting to make waves.
For Bradford, being named City of Culture is a chance to rewrite its story, on its terms. The Northern Youth season reflects that, celebrating the city’s complex, multicultural identity that’s rooted in stories of resilience, rebellion, and creativity. These films aren’t just about the past – they’re about the present, giving voice to a generation coming of age in a city that’s reimagining itself.
Dominic Leclerc: the curator
Dominic Leclerc has built his career on capturing the messy, complicated lives of working-class young people. His work gets to the heart of what it means to be young, rebellious, and trying to make sense of a world that doesn’t always care.
Leclerc’s Bradford upbringing gives him a deep, personal understanding of how growing up in the North shapes who you are. For him, this project is a way to give back to the place that made him, and to give a platform to the voices of young people who are often overlooked.
Northern Youth films and themes
How to Have Sex (2023)
Kicking off the season, this coming-of-age drama looks at the pressures of sex, relationships, and consent. It’s an unflinching exploration of modern adolescence, especially relevant to today’s youth.
This is England (2006)
Shane Meadows’ raw portrayal of working-class youth in post-Thatcher Britain dives into skinhead culture, race, and national identity. Set against the backdrop of 1980s economic struggles, it hits home for Bradford’s history.
East is East (1999)
Set in the 1970s, this film looks at the cultural and generational tensions within a mixed-heritage family. With scenes filmed in Bradford, it explores the immigrant experience and the delicate balance between identity, tradition, and assimilation.
Control (2007)
A haunting biopic of Ian Curtis from Joy Division, exploring mental health, fame, and artistic ambition. The film’s black-and-white shots perfectly capture the intensity of Curtis’s brief, troubled life.
The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner (1962)
A cornerstone of British New Wave cinema, this film explores class struggle, rebellion, and personal autonomy, following a young man in a reform school.
Northern Youth additional films
My Summer of Love (2004) looks at teenage desire and class divides in rural West Yorkshire, while The Long Day Closes (1992) reflects on coming of age in post-war Liverpool.
These films aren’t just stories – they’re a space for young people to see their struggles, dreams, and sense of self mirrored on screen. The themes of identity, rebellion, survival and belonging resonate with the challenges youth face everywhere, but especially with those from the North.
Why this matters now: a blockbuster moment in time
Young people today are still dealing with a lot of the same stuff previous generations faced- mental health struggles, identity crises, and feeling like they don’t fit in. Even with all the changes over time, the North-South divide is still real, creating gaps in opportunities and how people are seen. Working-class communities are still feeling the impact of austerity, and society often overlooks what young people, especially those from working-class backgrounds, are capable of.
But this isn’t just some nostalgia trip – it’s about using film to highlight what’s going on with young people right now. Northern Youth is a reminder that even though things change, the core struggles of growing up – figuring out who you are, finding your place, and planning your future are always there.
Film can be a powerful way to give young people a voice, and these stories show that the experiences of youth in the North need to be heard now more than ever.
The final act
Northern Youth isn’t just a bunch of films – it’s a microphone for a generation whose voices usually get drowned out. With Bradford stepping up as the UK City of Culture 2025, it’s the perfect time for Northern youth to take centre stage and share their stories with the world. These films lay it all out highs, the lows, and the in-between of growing up in the North. It’s about pushing back, surviving, and figuring out who you are.
These stories deserve to be seen and heard. They’re not just about the North – they’re about what it means to be young right now, anywhere. It’s not just about showing Northern life to Northerners – it’s about bridging the gap so people from the South and elsewhere understand it too. The divide doesn’t need to be there. These stories can help break it down.
