This film is part of Free

Fly a Flag for Poplar
Poplar's long tradition of political and social activism is on show in this community film.
Overview
Poplar's long tradition of political and social activism is illuminated in this ambitious feature-length film. The east London district has been home to both grassroots and high-profile radicals, from social reformer George Lansbury in the 1920s to the contemporary Teviot Festival Committee. This film was made by Liberation Films, a non-profit company which grew from a group of anti-Vietnam War activists.
Liberation Films evolved from activists into filmmakers producing campaigning films in local communities and were particularly active in the 1970s. One of the group commented about Fly a Flag for Poplar: "Of course, the film was a catalyst too. When we finished it we took it around in the community where it was made and led people in an examination and a reflection on their lives and whether they might want to intervene in the future to change them."
Related

New Perspectives: Fish Tank New Perspectives: Fish Tank
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Adam Smith of Northumbria University explains why Andrea Arnold's coming-of-age story, about a girl who uses dance to escape, is his favourite film on BFI Player.

New Perspectives: Pusher New Perspectives: Pusher
Short documentary 2025 5 mins
Noah Ball of Northumbria University explains why you should seize the chance to watch Nicolas Winding Refn's debut.

Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A
Inside Film 2025 38 mins
Kyle MacLachlan talks to BFI CEO Ben Roberts about working with David Lynch on the legendary series Twin Peaks.

On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.

Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.

All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.