The next BFI home entertainment release as part of the BFI BLACK STAR season will be The Glass Shield (1994).

The first black recruit in his squad, rookie cop JJ Johnson (Michael Boatman – The Good Wife) struggles to adapt to life on the force when confronted by the inherent prejudices and corruption of his precinct. Immediately positioned as an outsider, along with fellow novice cop Deborah (Lori Petty – Tank Girl, Orange is the New Black), JJ witnesses at first hand the brutality and implicit racism of his white colleagues. When an unlawful search results in the arrest of Teddy Woods (Ice Cube – Boyz N the Hood) on dubious murder charges, JJ risks his job and his life to reveal the truth.

Directed by Charles Burnett (Killer of Sheep, My Brother’s Wedding), The Glass Shield is a thrilling drama that shines a light on the deep-rooted racial tensions of the American justice system and the toll of opposing institutionalised bigotry.

The Glass Shield will be released on Blu-ray and DVD in a Dual Format Edition on 23 January 2017 at the RRP of £19.99.

Special features:

• Newly filmed interview with Charles Burnett (2016, 26 mins)

• Alternative ending (1994, 2 mins)

• Illustrated booklet with full film credits and new writing by Bridget Minamore