Brexitannia

Brexitannia is an extraordinary, thought-provoking 2017 documentary film directed by Timothy George Kelly, which explores the social, political, and philosophical underpinnings of one of the most momentous historical events in modern British history - the Brexit vote. Delving into the heart of a divided nation, the film features a star-studded array of interviewees including renowned philosopher Federico Campagna, linguist and social critic Noam Chomsky, and race, faith, and rights academic Heidi Mirza.

Brexitannia sets out to grapple with the complex motivations behind the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union in an earnest attempt to map the ideological landscape of post-referendum Britain. One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its ability to step back from personal bias and portray a broad and thorough picture of attitudes across the UK, from Cornwall to Scotland, capturing a diverse spectrum of perspectives.

The film is divided into two distinct yet complementary sections. The first part spotlights ordinary citizens across England and explores their reasons for voting Leave or Remain. It lends a voice to the men and women from all walks of life - families from still-industrial Northern towns, London-based finance workers, Scottish fisherman, former coal miners, Cornish dairy farmers, EU immigrants, and more. The filmmakers impeccably capture an array of raw emotions, personal stories, and potent anecdotes, thereby painting a rich, complex, and often contradictory account of the Brexit sentiment.

The second part of the film consists of a series of conversations with an ensemble of intellectual and cultural figures who delve into the multifaceted philosophies, histories, and ideologies that fed into the unprecedented referendum. Among these are Noam Chomsky, who offers critiques on the media and democracy, Federico Campagna, discussing the shifting structures of contemporary politics, and Heidi Mirza, discussing the confluence of race, class, and post-colonial attitudes.

Kelly’s decision to shoot Brexitannia in black and white adds a degree of universality to the themes explored, while the strategic absence of narration or musical score allows viewers to form their own judgments and opinions as the subjects evolve. Throughout the film, candidly shot scenes and confrontational interviews provide viewers with an intimate glimpse into the motivations and fears of the interviewees, proving the filmmakers' adept skill of storytelling.

Brexitannia explores the human stories behind the headlines and political maneuverings, offering up a snapshot of a nation in limbo. However, it also sheds light on larger questions about democracy, truth, and the potentially overarching reach of nationalism and globalisation. The film remains conspicuously open-ended with a fair-handed approach, not opting for a side, but posing questions about the meaning of democracy, the power of politics, and the efficacy of a referendum. It’s this measured approach that helps it evade the simplistic binary of ‘right’ versus ‘wrong’ sides of history, culminating in a complex portrait of a country questioning its identity.

Aside from being a referendum tale, Brexitannia is an examination of a particular cultural moment. It delves into Britain's historical relationship with Europe, and closely scrutinises the lasting impact of post-industrialisation and austerity, the North/South divide, intra-European immigration, and myriad other issues that have shaped the heated debate on both sides of the Brexit argument. It is a somber film that reminds us of the complexities of national identities and the issues that conventional politics often fail to address.

While Brexit is a UK-centric topic, the issues raised by Brexitannia have universal implications and resonate far beyond the borders of the UK, echoing in the corners of America, Europe, and other parts of the world experiencing similar pulls towards populism.

In essence, Brexitannia is a socio-political mirror held up to modern Britain: a quotidian chronicle of hopes, anxieties, contradictions, and defiant resilience of individuals. It captures, uncovers, and conveys the demands, fears, and dreams that preceded the bid for Brexit, making for a documentary experience that is deeply engrossing, candidly observant, and intensely thought-stimulating. It depicts Brexit more than just a momentous decision; it’s about people, place, and identity, offering a rare, inside look at what invigorates and divides the residents of modern Britain.