Caught in the Cycle

What’s on offer?

A preview screening of 'No Dog', a short film dramatizing a pivotal moment in Justin Rollins’ life as it shifted from petty crime to serious violence. Told through the eyes of 14 year old Justin, ‘No Dog’ offers a raw glimpse into the rollercoaster subculture of 90s London turf-wars, graffiti and violence. This is a short proof-of-concept film (made available especially for the Festival) directed by Darius Norowzian and starring Jamie Winston as Justin’s mother. View the trailer here:  https://nodogfilms.co.uk/portfolio/official-trailer-2021

What’s it about?

‘Caught in the cycle’, includes a preview of the film ‘No Dog’ (based on Justin Rollin’s critically-acclaimed autobiography) followed by a discussion featuring Justin Rollins in conversation with Criminology students from the University of Manchester.

The film is told through the eyes of 14 year old Justin. It depicts a pivotal moment in his life as he becomes more deeply embedded in the urban chaos of street-gang violence in 1990s London.

The film provides a starting point for discussion.

‘In conversation’ with University of Manchester Criminology students, Justin will explore his descent into crime, his detention in a Young Offenders’ Institute and the impact this had on his mental health. Audience members will be invited to put their thoughts and questions to Justin.

The discussion will tie academic research evidence with Justin’s lived experiences to raise crucial questions about how we manage young people within our justice system and ask ‘what could we be doing better?’

Through informed and up-close dialogue we hope to create an atmosphere that will challenge the audience to explore their own views of youth crime and justice.

The event will close with refreshments and a book-signing: The Lost Boyz — A Dark Side of Graffiti (Waterside Press, 2011), by Justin Rollins

Who’s leading the event?

Dr Jo Deakin

Open to

All people aged 16+

Of particular interest to

This session will appeal to anyone with an interest in crime and justice or a wider interest in experiences of inequality and disadvantage.  It will be particularly relevant to anyone working with young people and students (from Pre-U onwards) studying sociology, criminology or psychology. It contains visual representations of violence and will include discussions of drug-use and mental health, therefore is not suitable for those under 16.