Search - Afro Punk on DVD

Black punk time!

golgotha.gov | Texas | 03/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"AFRO PUNK (2003)
directed by James Spooner
approx. 66 minutes

This is a very good movie dealing with black identity in the world of hardcore punk. The movie is made up of testimonials from several black punks talking about subjects such as the relationship of traditional African culture to body modification in punk fashion, interracial dating, being a "safe black", and having mostly white friends. What I like about the movie is the way it doesn't distinguish between the experiences of black suburban high school kids and famous black punks such as D.H. Peligro (of DEAD KENNEDYS). The interviewees are all ages and from all over the country. The movie is edited in a way that emphasizes common thoughts and experiences (such as the importance of BAD BRAINS). They correct misconceptions that people may have about them and their background. Some of the punks do get a little more camera time, such as the zine author from California and the black nationalist singer of the band CIPHER. The more "in-depth" segments show some of the ways black punks set themselves apart and how central identity politics are in their projects.

This movie is NOT a collection of archival footage that aims to deliver a history of black punks. At the end of the movie, some of the interview subjects are asked to name as many punk bands with black members as they can. If you'd like a thorough directory of black involvement in punk rock, look up ROCTOBER magazine's website for an extensive list.

This movie is a welcome addition to the recent crop of punk movies since it examines an area of the music scene which often goes undocumented. I look forward to seeing more movies from the director James Spooner. You do not have to like punk music (or be black) to enjoy this movie."

BUY THIS DVD

William Franklin | New York, NY United States | 08/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"if your racial identity has ever been questioned whether you are black, white, asian, latino, native american, middle eastern, or what have you, you should definitely check this dvd out. you dont even have to be black or into rock music at all to get something out of it.

maybe youre the only black kid on the lacrosse team
maybe youre a white rapper
maybe youre the only male hetero ballet dancer at your dance school
maybe youre the only asian dude on the basketball team
maybe youre the only girl on the football team
maybe youre the only muslim in idaho

this documentary in many ways tackles a lot of the existential realities related to those types of experiences; experiences of isolation and rejection by a larger more dominant society. of course, every different experience is unique but there are some commonalities among them and things to be learned."

Required veiwing for all.

Albert Frank | Austin, TX USA | 07/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When you get right down to the meat of things, life is a confusing prospect. The interviewees in this documentary have found themselves in a position to be able to look inward because of their isolation from societal norms. The one thing that holds together this short film is the humor and wisdom that has developed among the Afro-punks. They have managed to grow beyond the society around them by exploring the depths of a lifestyle that stereotypically, they should shun. Of course, their monologues are full of self-contradicting statements, but that's the nature of the beast. I've been a black rocker since 1982, and this film was a Godsend to me."

Something B.E.T. needs/

Visa | Baltimore | 07/05/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This dvd was dope. Because it had artist who i didn't know existed, better the world doesn't really know exist. it had artist that can but inspirational but you'll never see their videos on b.e.t. which i think is wrong b.e.t needs to put black rock n roll artist on their channel. they need artist like, bad brains, fishbone and etc. Not just so damn gospel s... on the air so it can influnce black children to be rock n rollers not just singers n rappers."