Young Programmers Festival 2025: Bend it Like Beckham 12A

Made in 2002, Bend It Like Beckham was truly ahead of its time. Starring Teen Choice Award nominated Parminder Nagra and Academy Award nominated Kiera Knightley in their breakthrough roles, it follows aspiring footballers Jess and Jules in their attempts to defy stereotypes, win the league and go professional. Credited with inspiring some of the biggest footballing stars of today, Bend It Like Beckham has become a cult classic, a new, hopeful reading emerging from the success of the Lionesses and the mass popularity of women’s football.

This film is the epitome of girl power, written and directed by Gurinder Chadha, and continues to inspire the next generation of Lionesses. Bend It Like Beckham will have you laughing, crying and rejoicing over the progress made since 2002, and the hopeful message it paints for the future.

Bend It Like Beckham was nominated for the BAFTA for Best British Film and won the British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Film. It was nominated for Best British Independent Film, and Parminder Nagra for Most Promising Newcomer at the British Independent Film Awards.

This special screening will be followed by a drop-in friendship bracelet making workshop from 5pm to 6pm in the Showroom Café Bar!

Screening alongside But I’m A Cheerleader as part of Girls Who Strike Back: A Galentine’s Day Film Festival: Immerse yourself in two groundbreaking films that challenged social conventions and captured hearts; celebrating stories of self-discovery, determination, and the power of being true to yourself.

Football shirts and cheerleader attire encouraged!

Please note there will be no adverts or trailers before this screening.

F-Rated: Written and directed by Gurinder Chadha