Based on Barry Hines’ novel, Kes is one of Loach’s best known works, an enduring story of a schoolboy’s passion for his pet kestrel. It remains one of cinema’s greatest depictions of childhood, evidence on its own of the director’s significance, a pioneering film that is worthy of comparison to the best of De Sica or Truffaut.

Working with cinematographer Chris Menges for the first time, Loach took a more observational approach than in his previous work, dispensed with narrative devices and worked with a cast of mostly non-professional actors. These are tactics he would employ throughout his career. 

This film is screening as part of Ken Loach (Part One), May 3rd – 28th. Loach’s latest film, Jimmy’s Hall, opens at the IFI on May 30th.