Punk the Capital: Building a Sound Movement

Released May 13, 2021

1h 30m

Documentary

Music

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10 Reviews

When punk invaded our nation's capital in the mid-late 1970's, it was a culture clash -- a collision between the music of anarchy and a city known for its conservatism. It was a recipe for potential disaster -- but it resulted in a powerful cultural movement that flamed, ruled, and burned out all in the space of seven exciting years. It was a mighty inter-generational convergence of powerful music, friendships, uncompromising wills and clear minds. The sounds and people that emerged from those early years of punk/harDCore-punk continue to influence and inspire around the world. Created over the span of a decade by three Washington DC filmmakers, this documentary is an in-depth exploration of a seminal moment in DC music history (circa 1976 to 1984). With a mix of recently discovered archive material, a conversational interview approach, and a collage editing style - Punk the Capital goes beyond the traditional music documentary genre, becoming at its core a dynamic portrait of the transformative power of punk in general and of DC punk in particular.

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Jim Wirth

Uncut Magazine [UK]

The wealth of great video footage in Punk The Capital underlines what made DC hardcore unique.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 13, 2021

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

One of the interviewees laments how the scene was later overrun by violent right-wing skinheads and white supremacists, but in these early years, the vibe was a positive one.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 3, 2021

Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

Does an excellent job of fleshing out the story, and giving it a backbone.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jun 28, 2021

Full Review

Nick Spacek

Starburst

Add in Bad Brains' H.R. offering up clear and lucid commentary, a deep-dive into the influence of early clubs and radio shows, and Punk the Capital manages to exceed all expectations.

Rated: 5/5

Jun 22, 2021

Full Review

Christopher Lloyd

The Film Yap

This carefully curated documentary of the D.C. punk rock scene shows a movement that was less about spit-flecked rejection of society than simply pushing the musical edge wherever they could find it.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 21, 2021

Full Review

Evan Dossey

Midwest Film Journal

A smart documentary about a small but influential time and place in the punk scene.

Jun 19, 2021

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Audience Member

Washington DC was a center of American punk rock in the late 1970's. Punk the Capital explores that era and gives voice to those who were part of it, celebrating musicians such as Bad Brains, Henry Rollins, Ian MacKaye and Jello Biafra. These bands, the music they created and the influence they still exert are powerful. James June Schneider (co-director, editor), Paul Bishow (co-director) and Sam Lavine (associate producer, co-editor) have assembled a document that feels alive and vital, one that makes you want to experience this movie no matter if you're a punk fan or have never heard this music before. How was a punk scene created in one of the most conservative cities in the world? How did the young punks work with older hippies to get places for their shows? And how did the sound of DC from 1976 to 1983 change the world of music? Beyond rare performances by Bad Brains, Minor Threat, Teen Idles, The Slickee Boys, Faith, The Nurses, Enzymes and Chalk Circle, more than a hundred interviews with those who lived this time were conducted. It all comes together to be a document that music fans should seek out. Punk the Capital will be released on Blu-ray and DVD in the US for Record Store Day on June 12 via Passion River and in the UK for Record Store Day on July 12 via Wienerworld. A portion of all DVDs and blu rays sold through Dischord Records will go to the DC based charity We Are Family.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

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Paul Bishow

Director

James Schneider

Director

Ian MacKaye

Self

Henry Rollins

Self

Henry Rollins

Actor

Jello Biafra

Actor

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Synopsis

When punk invaded our nation's capital in the mid-late 1970's, it was a culture clash -- a collision between the music of anarchy and a city known for its conservatism. It was a recipe for potential disaster -- but it resulted in a powerful cultural movement that flamed, ruled, and burned out all in the space of seven exciting years. It was a mighty inter-generational convergence of powerful music, friendships, uncompromising wills and clear minds. The sounds and people that emerged from those early years of punk/harDCore-punk continue to influence and inspire around the world. Created over the span of a decade by three Washington DC filmmakers, this documentary is an in-depth exploration of a seminal moment in DC music history (circa 1976 to 1984). With a mix of recently discovered archive material, a conversational interview approach, and a collage editing style - Punk the Capital goes beyond the traditional music documentary genre, becoming at its core a dynamic portrait of the transformative power of punk in general and of DC punk in particular.

Director: Paul Bishow, James Schneider
Production Co: PTC International, Sphairos Productions
Genre: Documentary, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 13, 2021, Limited
Runtime: 1h 30m

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