about the film

In September 2007, 16 of the world’s best b-boys battle one on one in a disused power station in the heart of Soweto, South Africa, to determine who will be the next world champion. Turn it Loose is a film about this competition. Through the eyes of six competitors we leave behind any preconceived notions of what breakdance represents. It becomes clear that these people are a unique breed of street athletes, exceptionally skilled in a dance combining martial arts and gymnastics. Traveling from Senegal to Japan and digging deeper into these six b-boys’ lives, we discover the extraordinary form of non-contact combat that has evolved over 30 years to become a truly 21st century global phenomenon. Turn It Loose leads us all the way through the end of the competition and in the process combines the human drama with the visual intensity of the dance itself. Within the framework of the competition, we weave their stories together, whilst they dazzle us with their skill, musicality and physical expertise.

about the director

Alastair Siddons was born in London in the late 70s. Soon after winning a place in SOAS at the University of London, he gave up an academic career to pursue film and acquired a job at the respected documentary company, October Films. By 2004 he had moved on to directing. He was soon directing music videos for bands like The Streets, Roots Manuva, Kano and The Mystery Jets. In 2006 he joined the directors’ community Partizan, where he completed his first feature Turn It Loose.

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