Ken Loach

"Loach's work is emotionally direct and bitingly relevant"

The fact that this most British of directors has brought an international dimension to his work in the last decade isn't simply an indication that his impact and techniques haven't always been best appreciated on home turf. It's proof that his humanitarian heart transcends local definitions of politics - with a big or small 'p' - and extends to people in every corner of the world.

Loach was born in Nuneaton on 17 June 1936. His first contact with drama came at Oxford University, where he studied law after completing two years National Service in the Royal Air Force. It was in 1963, however, that his learning experience began for real, when he became a trainee director with the BBC. After a stint on TV police series Z Cars, he directed the first of ten Wednesday Plays. Inspired by cinéma verité, Loach took his cameras out of the studio and onto the streets. The effect of his BBC work, both artistically and socially, was immense.

Poor Cow (1967) and Kes (1969) marked Loach's first forays into the cinema. Since then, he has returned intermittently to television - most notably with Days Of Hope (1975) and Questions Of Leadership (1983) - although it is as a feature film director that he is now best known internationally. Loach's work is emotionally direct and bitingly relevant. His films acknowledge the social and economic realities of the day, but his characters refuse to bow down even when life throws its worst at them. Loach is always able to reveal the human spirit that burns within them. This, not politics, is the true lifeblood that runs through his work.

Alan Morrison

All the stills and posters featured have been chosen from bfi Stills Posters and Designs by Ken Loach, who has also provided accompanying quotes.