Fourty years ago, in May 1981, with François Mitterrand's election, some people were letting themselves dream about a better life while others were predicting the coming of soviet tanks upon the Champs-Élysées. If we gladly remember the turning point of austerity in 83, there were also the wage rises, the fifth week of paid leave, the abolition of death penalty, the decriminalisation of homosexuality, or the advent of independent radio stations. Rare archives and accounts by those who were at the heart of this story give an overview of it and shed light on lesser-known aspects.
Canada's Hardcore legends, D.O.A., ply their political brand of Punk Rock in Newport, Kentucky in 1986.
Across a 45-year career ‘The Oils’ helped shape modern Australia with anthems like “US Forces”, “Beds Are Burning” and “Redneck Wonderland”. Featuring unseen footage and interviews with every band member, alongside signature moments including the outback tour with Warumpi Band, their Exxon protest gig in New York and those famous “Sorry” suits at the Sydney Olympics, Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line traces the journey of Australia’s quintessential rock band.
The post-70’s explosion of independent music in America has many traceable roots, each with a compelling story. One of its most significant has never been told until now. Drawing on never-before-seen archival footage, in-depth-interviews with musicians and producers, and a mighty soundtrack, THE SMART STUDIOS STORY reveals the pivotal Midwest link to the global rise of 1990's Alternative Rock and the unassuming Madison, Wisconsin recording studio at its center. If you’ve ever been touched by the music of Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, L7 or their peers, you’ve been touched by the music created at Smart Studios, the legendary recording facility founded by Butch Vig and Steve Marker.
On June 13, 1978, the punk bands the Cramps and the Mutants played a free show for psychiatric patients at the Napa State Hospital in California. We Were There to Be There chronicles the people, politics, and cultural currents that led to the show and its live recording.
Charles de Gaulle, the first president (1958-1969) of the Vth Republic, France’s current system of government, left his mark on the country . He was statesman of action and has been compared to a monarch. This film depicts the general’s personality through the great events of his presidential term, at a time when the world was undergoing considerable changes.
Two former geeks become 1980s punks, then party and go to concerts while deciding what to do with their lives.
The first live BD from Die Ärzte features a compilation of four concerts recorded at the Frankfurt Festhalle and the Berlin Waldbühne. This release is rounded out with numerous extras, including highlights from the XX/XY concert at the Dortmund Westfalenhalle and intimate behind-the-scenes footage.
Docudrama telling the story of a building with a breath taking career that began in the empire, flourished in the Weimar Republic, perished in the Nazi dictatorship, and was rebuilt after its partial destruction.
A Dutch documentary about the history of the anarchist punk band Crass. The film features archival footage of the band, and interviews with former members Steve Ignorant, Penny Rimbaud and Gee Vaucher.
The Cramps perform live from NYC's Mudd Club in 1981. Highlights include: "TV Set", "Goo Goo Muck" and "I Was a Teenage Werewolf".
A documentary about the life and music of Justin Pearson. An enigmatic underground musician and owner of Three One G records.
A fan produced, unauthorized, non profit concert documentary featuring the Misfits playing their first show since 1983. Glenn Danzig and Jerry Only reuniting with Doyle as "The Misfits" to play two Riot Fest dates in 2016 was an unparalleled example of Hell truly freezing over. A obsession with a single challenge developed: Could one rip all of the crowd shot videos floating around on YouTube and sync their audio in order to recreate the FULL 80 minute show? The answer was yes.
Pennsylvania Hardcore is a documentary covering a 30- year History of the underground hardcore bands from Pennsylvania. 200 interviews were done in making this film. The ones telling the story are the ones that wrote it. Many pictures and videos were giving to show how strong the states hardcore history really is.
A self-destructive punk rocker struggles with sobriety while trying to recapture the creative inspiration that led her band to success.
Pontormo and Punks at Santa Croce
When a punk band scores their first tour, life on the road proves tough when they are joined by a man-eating demon as a roadie.
Form small beginnings on a Victorian farm to globetrotting punk rock icons, the Cosmic Psychos became one of Australia's most influential bands. Now after thirty years of music making, 'Cosmic Psychos: Blokes You Can Trust' documents the highs and lows of the group's musical career as told by members from the Melvins, L7, Mud Honey, Pearl Jam, and The Hard-Ons with other international music producers and from the Cosmic Psycho band members themselves.
In the early 70s, Barbara discovered herself backstage on her French tour. The artist plays with intimacy and camera glances. Between concerts, she talks to herself and the men in her life.
Long before Green Day and Blink 182 inflicted punk-rock's puncture wound on the map of mainstream music, the Descendents were at home concocting the perfect mix of pop, angst, love, and coffee. FILMAGE: The Story of DESCENDENTS/ALL follows drummer/square-peg Bill Stevenson and his 'caffeinated retardedness' as he pushes his rotating door of bandmates to 'achieve ALL,' his philosophy of going for greatness at all costs. Stevenson is a force to be reckoned with--not even grapefruit-sized brain tumors can keep him down.