Penda’s Fen

Through a series of dreams and visions, pastor's son Stephen Franklin (Spencer Banks) comes to realize that the pious formulas he's been given—about England, Christianity, and his own sexuality—are hiding things secret and strange.

Directed by television director Alan Clarke and written by playwright David Rudkin, PENDA'S FEN (1974, 88 min) is a dense and philosophical exploration of nationalism, religion, and sexuality. Clarke's social realist filmmaking mixed with Rudkin's politically radical text produced a film that maintained its cult status despite being broadcast only three times in forty years. 

In this class we'll discuss the rich tradition of British TV movies, 70s nuclear paranoia, and the film's dialogue with folk horror.

This class will be taught by visiting MMU assistant instructor Laura Scharf. 

Class size will be limited to 18.

Questions? Email us at education@moviemadness.org