A Hard Day’s Night (U) + Samira Ahmed in conversation

How did a low-budget black and white film made to cash in on a pop phenomenon become a landmark of cinema? 

At a special screening and in conversation event, Samira Ahmed, author of a new BFI Film Classics book on A Hard Day's Night, will explore how the Beatles went art house – and changed pop music and cinema forever. Samira’s new book, A Hard Day’s Night, will be available to purchase at the screening. 

A Hard Day’s Night 

Meet the Beatles! 

Just one month after they exploded onto the U.S. scene with their Ed Sullivan Show appearance, John, Paul, George and Ringo began working on a project that would bring their revolutionary talent to the big screen.

A Hard Day’s Night, in which the bandmates play cheeky comic versions of themselves, captured the astonishing moment when they officially became the singular, irreverent idols of their generation. 

This event is part of Rip It Up – a nationwide season celebrating the changing face of youth rebellion, culture and expression on screen in the UK. Supported by Film Hub North as part of the BFI Film Audience Network, made possible by the National Lottery.