Shaft (1971) – Original 2000 BFI UK Quad Cinema Poster

Shaft (1971) – Original BFI UK Quad Cinema Poster

Collector-Grade UK Quad – BFI Theatrical Re-Release

Offered here is an original UK Quad cinema poster produced for the BFI theatrical re-release of Shaft, Gordon Parks’ era-defining 1971 crime thriller and one of the most influential films of the New Hollywood period. Issued to promote the BFI-backed revival screening in 2000, this poster is a genuine cinema-used exhibition piece—never sold commercially and printed in strictly limited numbers.

Bold, muscular, and unmistakably urban, this UK Quad captures the film’s enduring cultural force while reflecting the BFI’s curatorial mission to preserve landmark works of American cinema.

Film & Cultural Significance

Starring Richard Roundtree in his career-defining role as private detective John Shaft, Shaft redefined the crime genre and became a cornerstone of early 1970s American cinema. Directed by Gordon Parks, the film fused street-level realism, political awareness, and unapologetic style—introducing a new kind of screen hero whose influence continues to resonate across film, music, and fashion.

The film’s impact was further amplified by Isaac Hayes’ Academy Award–winning score, an era-defining soundtrack that became inseparable from the film’s identity. More than a hit, Shaft was a cultural event—shifting representation, tone, and power dynamics in mainstream Hollywood.

The BFI re-release reaffirmed the film’s status as a modern classic, presenting it to new audiences as both a thrilling genre piece and a vital cultural text.

Poster Artwork & Design

This UK Quad uses strong photographic imagery and assertive typography to mirror the film’s confidence and attitude:

• A commanding central image of Richard Roundtree in leather, cable in hand

• Bold red title typography cutting cleanly across the composition

• Critical pull quotes reinforcing the film’s cult and canonical status

• Clear BFI Release credit and original cinema booking details, confirming its exhibition use

The design balances contemporary edge with archival seriousness—precisely the aesthetic approach that defines BFI reissue material from this period.

Specifications

• Film: Shaft (1971)

• Director: Gordon Parks

• Starring: Richard Roundtree

• Poster Type: Original UK Quad (BFI release)

• Release Year: 2000

• Format: 30 × 40 inches Single Sided, Rolled

• Printer / Distributor: British Film Institute (BFI)

• Condition: Listed in Near Mint Minus condition

Collector’s Note

BFI re-release UK Quads are increasingly sought after by collectors who value cinema history, restoration culture, and exhibition provenance. Unlike mass-produced modern posters, these were printed solely for theatrical use and discarded once the run concluded.

This Shaft UK Quad is particularly desirable for:

• Collectors of New Hollywood and 1970s American cinema

• Fans of Blaxploitation and Black-led genre history

• BFI and restoration-era poster specialists

• Collectors seeking bold, iconic imagery with genuine cinema provenance

A powerful, culturally loaded artefact from one of the most influential films of its era.