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Farming

Name: Farming
Director: Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
Released: 2018
Duration: 107 min

Representation Score

7.9/10

Good

2018

Director

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

Runtime

107 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Farming is a powerful, semi-autobiographical examination of post-colonial displacement. It succeeds by centering the Black immigrant experience, using the protagonist's journey to critique the exclusionary nature of British identity during the 1970s. However, the film's scope is narrow. It remains heavily tethered to masculine archetypes and patriarchal structures, which limits the presence and influence of female characters. The narrative focus on racialized gang dynamics also results in a lack of LGBTQ+ and disability representation. Ultimately, the film trades breadth for depth. While it misses opportunities to explore diverse identities beyond race and gender, its sophisticated deconstruction of systemic oppression makes it a vital piece of storytelling.

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Category Breakdown

Does Farming have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on racial and class tensions in 1970s London. It lacks significant LGBTQ+ characters or narratives that challenge traditional views of sexuality and gender.

How does Farming portray gender?

Fair

The story operates within a rigid patriarchal framework centered on masculine aggression and brotherhood. It explores male vulnerability but provides little role to female characters or challenges to gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Farming?

Excellent

The film provides a nuanced study of the Black immigrant experience. By centering a Black protagonist in a hostile environment, it offers a profound critique of colonial-era social structures.

How does Farming represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative offers a deep post-colonial critique of British identity. It portrays the protagonist's descent into skinhead culture as a direct response to systemic social exclusion and oppression.

Does Farming include disability representation?

Limited

There is no significant focus on visible or invisible disabilities. The narrative preoccupation with racial and socioeconomic survival leaves little room for exploring neurodivergence or physical disability.

Present on Screen

Provides a nuanced, non-stereotypical portrayal of the Black immigrant experience.
Offers a sophisticated critique of colonial-era social structures and British identity.
Effectively uses a personal, semi-autobiographical lens to explore systemic oppression.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives that challenge traditional views of sexuality and gender.
Provides limited roles to female characters, adhering to traditional patriarchal frameworks.
Neglects the exploration of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the character arcs.

Official Synopsis

Based on the writer/director's childhood, FARMING tells the story of a young Nigerian boy, 'farmed out' by his parents to a white British family in the hope of a better future. Instead, he becomes the feared leader of a white skinhead gang.

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