Cinetopia x Be United present a screening of Franco Rosso’s cult classic Babylon, followed by a live interactive musical performance from Edinburgh-based Bahamian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rue Cooper.

Set in Thatcher-era South London, Babylon follows Blue, a young Jamaican sound system DJ in Brixton, as he and his crew prepare for a major sound system competition. Driven by an iconic soundtrack by Dennis Bovell, the film is an uncompromising portrait of Black British youth navigating racism, police brutality and systemic oppression, while celebrating the music, community and culture surrounding the sound system scene.

Following the film, Rue Cooper presents “We ‘Can’t Tek No More’ of That”: Sound as Resistance and Healing, exploring through live music and audience interaction how music can challenge systemic power while creating spaces for emotional release, community and solidarity.

Originally from Nassau, Bahamas and now based in Edinburgh, Rue’s music blends funk, soul and disco, drawing influence from artists including Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder and Nina Simone. She is also vocalist and songwriter for Edinburgh disco-soul band Groove Down.

Presented in collaboration with Be United as part of Cinetopia’s Transmission: Youth Across Generations programme.

Links
cinetopia.co.uk