Burning an Illusion poster
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Burning an Illusion

6.019811h 46m15MovieDrama

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 PlayerBFI PlayerBFI Player Amazon ChannelBFI Player Amazon ChannelBFI Player Apple TV ChannelBFI Player Apple TV Channel
Availability shown for United Kingdom · 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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Shoestring
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BBC2 Play of the Week
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Ladies
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1980
Who Needs a Heart
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1991 · 8.0
Antony & Cleopatra
Antony & Cleopatra
1981 · 7.2
Cries from a Watchtower
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1979
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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Runners
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Old Street
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Babylon
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Billy's Christmas Angels
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Been So Long
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The Class Of Miss MacMichael
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1978 · 5.2
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More from Menelik Shabazz · Director

Britain on Film: Black Britain
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2017
The Story of Lovers Rock
The Story of Lovers Rock
2011 · 6.0
Blood Ah Go Run
Blood Ah Go Run
1982
Time and Judgement: A Diary of a 400 Year Exile
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1988 · 8.0
Breaking Point – The Sus Law Controversy
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1978
Step Forward Youth
Step Forward Youth
1977
Catch a Fire
Catch a Fire
1996
Pharaohs Unveiled
Pharaohs Unveiled
2019
Looking for Love
Looking for Love
2015
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 Kingdom, and available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store and Amazon Video. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is Burning an Illusion on Netflix?

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

Is Burning an Illusion on Amazon Prime Video?

Burning an Illusion isn't included with a Prime Video subscription in United Kingdom, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

Where can I watch Burning an Illusion for free?

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