REPENT at QUAD Derby: Forde Brookfield, Independent Cinema and the Survival of Skate Video Culture

In an era where skateboarding content is increasingly consumed in fragments, swiped past on phones and forgotten minutes later, the world premiere of REPENT stands as a deliberate and defiant statement. This is not a clip, a reel or a TikTok edit. It is a full-length skate video, made to be watched properly, loudly, and together. Premiering to a sold-out cinema at QUAD in the heart of Derby, REPENT proves that there is still a deep appetite for classic skate films and for the shared experience that comes with them.

The latest project from Forde Brookfield, REPENT has been three years in the making and features a stacked cast including Matt Tomasello, Chris “Avi” Atherton, Will Sayer, Rasheed Osman, Joe Markham, John Benton and Dead Dave. While Brookfield is originally from Leicester, his influence on the Derby skate scene has been felt for years, and choosing Derby as the location for the world premiere feels both intentional and meaningful. Tickets for the event were released for free and sold out quickly, underlining both the strength of the local scene and the wider hunger for something tangible in a digital-first world.

Brookfield is clear that the three-year timeline is not accidental. “Every video I do takes around three years to make,” he explains. “I’m sure I could get through them quicker but three years seems to be my personal timer. It’s just long enough that people will wait but not too long that the footage is old.” In a culture where constant output is often prioritised over longevity, sitting on footage for years is an act of trust, both in the process and in the people involved. Brookfield acknowledges how difficult that can be in the current climate, noting that “we’re digesting so much skateboarding content via social media that’s forgotten about quicker than ever and attention spans are getting shorter,” but he also points out that there are still skaters who value working towards a cohesive project rather than chasing instant gratification.

Despite the time, effort and emotional investment involved, Brookfield resists the idea of turning REPENT into something it isn’t. “I think it’ll always ‘just’ be a skate video to me,” he says. “I’ve never been one to try and transcend a skate video into something that it’s not. I like to keep them quite simple, loud and fast. They’re my favourite type of skateboarding videos.” That ethos runs through the entire project, from the filming style to the decision to release physical copies on DVD and even VHS on the night. Alongside the rest of the BAGHEAD crew, Brookfield is unapologetically keeping things old school, reinforcing the idea that skate videos are cultural artefacts, not disposable content.

The choice of venue is central to that philosophy. Hosting the premiere at QUAD, an independent cinema, was a conscious decision. “The world premiere is taking place at the Quad cinema, which is an independent cinema. It’s important to support independent businesses,” Brookfield says. Derby’s location also played a role, with its accessibility making it easy for people to travel in from surrounding cities. While Derby may not be his hometown, Brookfield describes it as “currently where I’m at,” making it the right place for REPENT to be seen first. The result is a sold-out room filled with skaters, filmmakers and supporters, all sharing the same experience at the same time.

For those unfamiliar with the project, REPENT offers more than just footage of tricks and spots. At its core, the film is about connection. “Skateboarding connects people worldwide, regardless of who you are,” Brookfield explains. “Skateboarding has been a tool for me to connect with people I would’ve never had the chance of meeting.” The film reflects that openness, encouraging viewers to move beyond rigid ideologies and embrace exploration, whether that means new cities, new cultures or simply new perspectives. In Brookfield’s words, “scrap all those shit ideologies, meet people, explore new territories, learn about other cultures and enjoy it for what it is. There’s enough shit going on in the world right now.”

Spanning three years, the making of REPENT inevitably captures change. Injuries, life shifts, new responsibilities and personal growth all leave their mark on a project filmed over such a long period. Brookfield reflects on this with a sense of realism rather than nostalgia. “People change and move on, be it jobs, families or life situations. You lose people along the way and it’s best to cherish the connections you have with people whilst you have them.” Some contributors have been part of his work since his first video release in 2014, while others have drifted away, and Brookfield is at peace with that. “Everyone’s paths are different. Just keep moving forward,” he says, a sentiment that feels embedded in the DNA of REPENT itself.

The cinema setting elevates that message. Brookfield is adamant that skate videos are meant to be experienced collectively. “Watching it in a cinema surrounded by your friends and likeminded people will always be the best way to view a video project,” he says. After testing the film in the cinema ahead of the premiere, he realised just how intense the experience would be. “It’s louder than I thought, although I planned for it to be that way. I’m stoked to say the video is fast, loud and exciting and I hope others feel the same.” In a darkened room, with sound systems doing justice to the soundtrack and a crowd reacting in real time, REPENT becomes more than just a screening. It becomes an event.

That sense of occasion is also what makes the continued demand for full skate videos so significant. The sold-out premiere, the physical media, and the deliberate rejection of short-form culture all point to a quiet resistance within skateboarding. REPENT is proof that, even in 2026, people will still show up, sit down and give their full attention to a skate film when it is made with care and intention.

The film is dedicated to Sean Lyness, who passed away on September 12th, 2023. His presence is felt throughout the project, not only in the dedication itself but in the film’s underlying message about community, memory and the fleeting nature of shared moments. REPENT is, in many ways, a reminder to value those moments while they are happening.

By choosing Derby, supporting independent cinema, embracing physical formats and committing years to a single project, Forde Brookfield and the BAGHEAD crew have delivered more than just another skate video. They have delivered a statement about why skate films still matter, and why, even in a world dominated by algorithms and endless scrolling, there is still nothing quite like watching a skate video the way it was meant to be seen.

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