Thirty years ago, Thatcher went to war. These are the miners who fought back
The Enemy Within is a unique insight into one of history’s most dramatic events: the 1984-85 British Miners’ Strike. No experts. No politicians. Thirty years on, this is the raw first-hand experience of those who lived through the UK’s longest strike. Follow the highs and lows of that life-changing year.
In 1984, a conservative government under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher declared war on the unions, taking on the strongest in the country, the National Union of Mineworkers. Following a secret plan, the government began announcing the closure of coal mines, threatening not just an industry but a whole communities a way of life.
Against all the forces the government could throw at them, 160 000 coal miners took up the fight to save jobs and became part of a battle that would change the course of history. The Enemy Within tells the story of a group of miners and supporters who were on the frontline of the strike for an entire year. These were the people Margaret Thatcher labelled ‘the Enemy Within’. Many of them have never spoken on camera before.
The Enemy Within is ultimately a universal tale of ordinary people standing up for what they believe in. It challenges us to look again at our past so that in the words of one miner, “we can still seek to do something about the future”.
Online Viewing
The Enemy Within is now available to watch online at
beamafilm
Published Reviews
THE GUARDIAN, SUNDAY TIMES, MAIN ON SUNDAY, DAILY EXPRESS, EVENING STANDARD, TIME OUT, THE INDEPENDENT, TOTAl FILM & EMPIRE!
“A documentary as gripping as a thriller” PETER BRADSHAW, THE GUARDIAN
“I can’t express enough my admiration for Owen Gower’s remarkable film. It moved and inspired me. Everyone – not only in Britain – should see this superb film.” JOHN PILGER, JOURNALIST
“The documentary The Enemy Within is an amazing film, an emotional, harrowing critique of those who run the UK. See it!” IRVINE WELSH, AUTHOR
“The Miner’s Strike was a watershed in post-War British history. The real story has been buried behind an avalanche of propaganda. This is a vitally important story.” LEE HALL, WRITER BILLY ELLIOT
“The mainstream media didn’t tell the truth about the miners’ strike when it happened. And the same lies are still being told. It’s therefore important that we tell this story.” KEN LOACH, DIRECTOR
“The Enemy Within is inspiring, uplifting, moving and sad. It is also important, telling as it does the story of a key conflict in British History. A conflict that was not about coal but about the fundamental principles of Trade Unionism and the States determination to destroy them” BEN ELTON, COMEDIAN
Current Listed Screenings:
HOST A SCREENING
We believe films present critical issues, challenge audiences and raise important questions. We invite you to bring these conversations to your community by hosting an inspiring screening of your own!
By purchasing a community-screening license, you can host a free/donation-based admission, or ticketed public screening of the film. Community screenings can take place at fundraising events, group gatherings, and ongoing series for nonprofits, theatres, farms, churches, community organisations and more.
Included in your screening fee
High quality brand new DVD disk of the film, which you keep.
• Screening Guide
• Where possible a Film Specific Discussion Guide
• Screening License
• Promotional Artwork (.pdf files for print)
• Keep the DVD
• Your screening promoted on our website, under the film listing.
• Our email and phone support through the whole process!
Screening Costs
Community Screening
1-50 people – $150
50-100 people – $250
100-200 people – $350
Enquire for Larger Groups, Ongoing Screening Sessions or for Speciality Screenings.
Click here to fill out a screening enquiry form
