Burning an Illusion poster
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Burning an Illusion

6.019811h 46mMovieDrama

A young black woman in England becomes increasingly frustrated with her life with her lazy, demanding boyfriend, and with the help of friends seeks something better.

DirectorMenelik Shabazz
WriterMenelik Shabazz
ProducerVivien Pottersman

Where to watch

BFI Player Amazon ChannelBFI Player Amazon Channel
Availability shown for United States · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Menelik Shabazz

CM
Cassie McFarlane
Pat Williams
VEVictor Romero Evans
Victor Romero Evans
Del Bennett
BM
Beverley Martin
Sonia
AWAngela Wynter
Angela Wynter
Cynthia
MF
Malcolm Frederick
Chamberlain
CTChris Tummings
Chris Tummings
Scotty
TLTrevor Laird
Trevor Laird
Pest
CS
Corinne Skinner-Carter
Pat's Mother
JCJohn Cannon
John Cannon
Prison Warder
NWNicola Wright
Nicola Wright
Christine
LWLarrington Walker
Larrington Walker
Tony
MB
Marva Buchanan
Lorna

More from Cassie McFarlane · Lead actress

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BBC2 Play of the Week
1977 · 7.0
Shoestring
Shoestring
1979 · 7.7
Cries from a Watchtower
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1979
Who Needs a Heart
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Ladies
Ladies
1980
Antony & Cleopatra
Antony & Cleopatra
1981 · 7.2
In England's Green and Pleasant Land
In England's Green and Pleasant Land
1979
See all fromCassie McFarlane

More from Victor Romero Evans · Co-star actor

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The Class Of Miss MacMichael
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Old Street
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More from Menelik Shabazz · Director

Britain on Film: Black Britain
Britain on Film: Black Britain
2017
The Story of Lovers Rock
The Story of Lovers Rock
2011 · 6.0
Time and Judgement: A Diary of a 400 Year Exile
Time and Judgement: A Diary of a 400 Year Exile
1988 · 8.0
Blood Ah Go Run
Blood Ah Go Run
1982
Catch a Fire
Catch a Fire
1996
Step Forward Youth
Step Forward Youth
1977
Breaking Point – The Sus Law Controversy
Breaking Point – The Sus Law Controversy
1978
Looking for Love
Looking for Love
2015
Pharaohs Unveiled
Pharaohs Unveiled
2019
See all fromMenelik Shabazz

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Burning an Illusion — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams Burning an Illusion?

Burning an Illusion is streaming on BFI Player in United States. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is Burning an Illusion on Netflix?

No, Burning an Illusion is not on Netflix in United States as of October 2026. It's currently on BFI Player.

Is Burning an Illusion on Amazon Prime Video?

No, Burning an Illusion isn't on Amazon Prime Video in United States right now. It's on BFI Player instead.

Where can I watch Burning an Illusion for free?

Burning an Illusion is available on BFI Player in United States, but you'll need an active subscription — there's no free option right now.