Bend It Like Beckham

Bend It Like Beckham, a 2002 sports comedy-drama, follows Jesminder Bhamra and Jules Paxton as they pursue professional football careers against their parents' wishes, earning strong reviews and lasting cultural impact.

A comedy about bending the rules to reach your goal, Bend It Like Beckham explores the world of women's football, from kick-abouts in the park to freekicks in the Final. Set in Hounslow, West London and Hamburg, the film follows two 18 year olds with their hearts set on a future in professional soccer. Heart-stopping talent doesn't seem to be enough when your parents want you to hang up your football boots, find a nice boyfriend and learn to cook the perfect chapatti.

The film will be introduced by local author and women's sport expert Carrie Dunn. Carrie's recent books include 'Woman Up: Pitches, Pay and Periods - The Progress and Potential of Women's Football' (2023), shortlisted for the Vikki Orvice Award for Women's Sports Writing at the 2024 Sports Book Awards, and 'Unsuitable for Females: The Rise of the Lionesses and Women's Football in England' (2022), shortlisted for Football Book of the Year at the 2023 Sports Book Awards. Carrie will give a short overview of the history of women's football in the UK and explain how 'Bend it Like Beckham' fits in our Rebels film programme.

The film is FREE for young people under 18 wearing LOCAL football kit! (Children must be accompanied by a paying adult)

Running time 1 hr 48 mins