Bristol Radical Film Festival 2026 - The Republic

Introduction and Q&A with Chris Chalkley.

A story of Stokes Croft, and the ongoing struggle against gentrification.

In 1999, in his hometown of Bristol, Banksy painted one of his earliest pieces, 'The Mild, Mild West' on a wall in Stokes Croft. "The Republic " documents the story of Stokes Croft since, portraying a diverse community that dares to defy the cold winds of corporate power and globalisation. But their greatest challenge looms as developers target this quarter and ready their wrecking balls. Filmed over six years, with access to twenty years of personal archives, this compelling story of our times recounts the fight by locals to retain some control over their destiny in an increasingly monocultural world.

“I think this film shows that part of Bristol’s history as a very relatable case study for the whole of Europe.” (Melissa Chemam — Melissa on the Road)