In the 1830s a group of six Dorset farm workers formed a union in an attempt to win a fair wage for a fair day's work. When they called a strike and downed tools they were arrested and transported to Australia for seven years of hard labour. They became known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs.

Bill Douglas’ long awaited film is concerned with the characterisation of those involved in the strike, which was central in the history of trade unionisation in Great Britain. Filming in both the UK and Australia was difficult as Douglas struggled in attaining financing and the correct conditions in order to get the film that he wanted made without compromising. One of the best British films of the 1980’s and a testament to a great, and unique, director.

We are hopeful that members of the cast and crew will take part in a Q&A session – see the IFF website for more info!

Comrades will be followed by;

VISIONS OF: COMRADES

UK 2009/ 15 mins
Director: Andy Kimpton-Nye
An informative and interesting short documentary about the making of Comrades.