UK / 2010 / 87mins / Documentary / English

Fire In Babylon is the breathtaking story of how the West Indies triumphed over its colonial masters through the achievements of one of the most gifted teams in sporting history. In a turbulent era of apartheid in South Africa; race riots in England and civil unrest in the Caribbean, the West Indian cricketers, led by the enigmatic Viv Richards, struck a defiant blow at the forces of white prejudice worldwide. Their undisputed skill, combined with a fearless spirit, allowed them to dominate the genteel game at the highest level, replaying it on their own terms. This is their story, told in their own words.

Stevan Riley

Born in Northern Ireland to a Yugoslav mother and English father, Stevan Riley has lived, worked and travelled in over 50 countries. He set off to Bosnia in 2003 to direct his first documentary, Rave Against the Machine, uncovering a story of musical youth in war-torn Sarajevo. It has since won awards at 9 international festivals. His following feature, Blue Blood, premiered at New York’s Tribeca Film Festival and had its theatrical release in May of 2007, receiving fantastic reviews. Blue Blood was nominated for “Best Film” at the prestigious Evening Standard British Film Awards and Stevan was also nominated for “British Breakthrough for Film Making” at the Critics Circle Awards. His next film was the award-winning documentary Fire in Babylon, about the record-breaking West Indies cricket team of the 1970s and 1980s. Fire in Babylon was released in UK cinemas by Revolver Entertainment and aired on BBC Storyville and ESPN. It earned Riley a Grierson Award as well as nominations for Best Documentary at the British Independent Film Awards and Evening Standard Film Awards. Film critic Barry Norman listed it in his 'Top 10 Sports films of all time'.
Learn More