That’s why we are releasing it again, because it’s a movie people can relate to. I met people who became policemen or lawyers because of the film.

“That movie changed a lot of people’s lives. They are even worse now, they are combined with other problems that we didn’t have 25 years ago. Because it also means that the problems are still here. Monty Python or Disney movies are passed on from generation to generation but to be able to do a political movie that stays relevant 25 years later is amazing and terrible at the same time. There are already many movies that can please people. “When you want to make a political movie you want it to be relevant. Headstrong and outspoken, he’s criticised the French film scene and government for ignoring the obvious, which lead to a heated letter exchange with then President Nicolas Sarkozy. H e won the award for Best Director at Cannes and Best Film at the César Awards for La Haine , when he was just 27. Mathieu Kassovitz is a French director, actor, screenwriter and producer. Here, to mark the anniversary, Kassovitz and members of the cast and crew share their memories of making the film. Screenings in Paris and Cannes are also in the works, while the original script will be released by French publishing house Maison CF, featuring never seen before behind-the-scenes photographs and notes from the shoot. Unfortunately, as the events of the last fortnight show, the film’s themes are as relevant as ever. Skilfully balancing bleak realism with humour, La Haine is as timeless as it is politically charged and, in addition to winning several awards, was even screened for the French cabinet at the request of then President, Jacques Chirac. To honour the film and its enduring influence, La Haine will be re-released in cinemas by the BFI in a new 4K restoration later this year, followed by a Blu-ray release. When Abdel is arrested and beaten unconscious by the police, his friends Hubert (Hubert Koundé), Vinz (Vincent Cassel) and Saïd (Saïd Taghmaoui) try to come to grips with what has happened, and riot ensues. As you may know, the breakthrough movie, directed by Mathieu Kassovitz, follows the story of a young Arab boy called Abdel living in a banlieue of Paris.

This month, La Haine celebrates its 25th anniversary.

The world is ours la haine