In Punk the Capital: Building a Sound Movement, directors James June Schneider and Paul Bishow take us to Washington, D.C. in the 1970s, where we relive the birth of punk rock through the eyes of those who lived it. The documentary explores the creation of D.C.’s punk movement and its struggle against conformity in the nation’s capital.
In this fast-paced documentary, archival punk performances are paired with recent interviews with musicians who performed in legendary venues during the era. Through the eyes of these performers, we follow the birth of D.C. punk from its first stirrings in the mid-70s all the way up to its mainstream embrace in the early 90s.
Punk the Capital: Building a Sound Movement captures the youthful spirit of the popular punk rock genre while maintaining the D.C. movement’s uniqueness. While mainstream punk rock acts, such as The Sex Pistols, became synonymous with self-destruction and substance abuse, the punks of D.C. embraced a “straight edge” culture that celebrated sobriety, social awareness, and diversity.
The film offers an interesting and refreshing look at a music movement that defined a creative and headstrong community of teens and twenty-somethings. Through archival footage and modern interviews with iconic punk acts like Bad Brain and Minor Threat, we learn about a lesser-known punk movement that celebrated individualism without self-destruction. Schneider and Bishow use images of packed basements, sweaty rage-singing adolescents, and graffitied walls to show us that creativity and hope are the greatest forms of rebellion.
The quick, loud, and often distorted music may not appeal to all viewers, but the underlying message is certain to strike a chord with anyone who has ever found a piece of themselves outside of the mainstream.
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
Any music studies educators as well as American History classes.
Does this film have Public Performance Rights available?
Yes, for the digital and DVD versions.
What kind of film collection would this title be suitable for?
Any with a focus on music, especially music from the United States.