Why Yorkshire belongs on film

A glance at how stories manifest in the Dales and beyond

Since living in South Yorkshire for the past two years, I’ve noticed just how endearing it is to see it on-screen. I’m not even from here and I feel a weird sense of pride when I see that ‘Screen Yorkshire’ title card come up before the name of the film. I’ve been reading up on how much Warp Films, a Sheffield based production company, has actually contributed to the world of film and TV and more than anything, I’m thankful that Shane Meadows, Paddy Considine and Stephen Graham have found a home more than once with Warp.

I attempted a Warp Films half-marathon this week with mixed success: you can find my list of films here if you’d like to take on the challenge.

Being of Pakistani origin but never having lived there for more than a month, having worn a hijab for more than a decade and just being a British person meant it was almost a crime that I hadn’t seen Four Lions yet, but never fear - I changed that this past month along with cult classics Dead Man’s Shoes and This is England.

Pictured: Faisal in Four Lions, definitely not engaging in a crime

To put it simply, Yorkshire belongs on film solely because of its relatability. There’s a humbleness and an honesty that the rolling hills of the Peak District and the reliability of the working-class provide: and it makes for an incredibly universal viewing experience. With modern politics’ inclination to vilify marginalised communities, it is the truth of the Yorkshire spin on their stories that helps, in theory, to unify.

Using Four Lions as an example, white audiences were introduced to a very real comedy-satire that allowed for radicalisation to be seen in human terms: especially at a time when the stereotyping of the brown man was rife in the United Kingdom. Although the film drew criticism for making light of an exceptionally serious set of themes, I’d argue that there’s media that fits that purpose already - one of which is the BBC drama Informer, starring Nabhaan Rizwan and the aforementioned Paddy Considine (I can’t escape that man at the moment!). The inclusion of a white radical character, Barry, makes the satire even better but of course, makes it more relatable for a real British audience. The setting of Yorkshire only enhances that feeling; allowing for such a wide scope of people to feel represented and spoken to.

Pictured: The cast of This is England, directed by Shane Meadows

Having said that, not all films set in Yorkshire have that tongue-in-cheek tinge to them: This is England was a film that I watched with unfortunate (or maybe fortunate) timing; during the far-right riots at the beginning of August. My review of the film reflected the feeling of those riots looming over me in the cinema, which you can read here. The rawness of Yorkshire really shone through in this film, with the discomfort of its violence and the complex emotions of its young main character, you’re forced to realise how Yorkshire really is at the centre of it all. Issues with the economy, unfair public spending, budget cuts, overlooked children, overworked parents, uneducated adults and high tensions line every frame of This is England and tell the story that Yorkshire has been telling for a long time: people are struggling and they have things to say.

Pictured: Richard and Anthony, brothers in Dead Man’s Shoes

Dead Man’s Shoes doesn’t necessarily have much of a story to impart on its viewers but more of a shock to leave behind. I definitely went in blind and wasn’t too sure what to expect from its plastered-everywhere label of ‘cult classic’. Would I recommend it? Yes, if you have a strong stomach. Yes, even if you don’t. I think just as he did with This is England, Shane Meadows took the social realism card and played it right once again. And, you guessed it, the setting of Yorkshire seals the deal. If you’re not British, I wonder if it feels too strange to believe that there are fields and abandoned castle ruins within walking distance of a crime-ridden, almost-barren town. For me, it made it feel as if it could be happening in the next town from me and reminded me that it probably could be, to some extent. When combined with revenge, violence of any degree on-screen feels different and can almost lull you into thinking it’s right and that it has purpose. It’s that unique Shane Meadows effect that seems to work exceptionally well when it’s a Yorkshireman, wronged in some way, carrying out the deed.

I’ve certainly got a lot to wade my way through if I want to up my hours spent on watching Yorkshire whilst living in it, with God’s Own Country, a rewatch of Kes and a few older films on the list. I’d love to know if there’s any I’m forgetting or some that are your favourites - let me know in the comments.