WHITE RIOT
80 MIN - 2019 - UK - ENGLISH - DOCUMENTARY - MUSIC
A FILM BY RUBIKA SHAH
FEATURING: RED SAUNDERS, ROGER HUDDLE, KATE WEBB, THE CLASH, STEEL PULSE, TOM ROBINSON, POLY STYRENE, SHAM 69, ALIEN KULTURE
Britain, late-1970s. Punk is exploding. The country is deeply divided over immigration. The National Front, a far-right and fascist political party, is gaining strength as politicians like Enoch Powell push a xenophobic agenda. Outraged by a racist speech from Eric Clapton, music photographer Red Saunders writes a letter to the music press, calling for rock to be a force against racism. NME, Melody Maker, and Sounds all publish the letter.
Flooded with responses, Red discovers many share his views. Teaming up with like-minded creatives Roger Huddle, Kate Webb, Syd Shelton and Australian graphic designer Ruth Gregory, the team bands together to create Rock Against Racism (RAR) and a fanzine, Temporary Hoarding. Speaking directly to the youth, Temporary Hoarding reports stories and issues that the mainstream British media ignores, like immigration, the Catholic side of the Northern Ireland conflict, and the police’s controversial “suspected persons” (sus) powers. They give a voice to the voiceless. The National Front begins to strike back, committing acts of violence against RAR supporters and petrol-bombing their HQ. Despite this, RAR spreads virally across the UK and into Europe, becoming a grassroots youth movement. The Clash, Steel Pulse, Tom Robinson and other top bands of the day jump on board.
White Riot is a moment in time when music changed the world. When a generation challenged the status quo. It’s Woodstock meets the March on Washington, punk-style.
“Punk Doc 'White Riot' Showcases Anti-Racism Activists in a Time Before Social Media“ - Exclaim
“Rubika Shah’s Documentary ‘White Riot’ is an Echo of the Current Political Climate” - Screen Queens
“In an inspirational, powerful, and entertaining documentary, director Rubika Shah and a handful of punk rock royalty present the story of RAR, the National Front, and 70s British underground music” - Cinapse
“ Racism and rise of neo-fascism are still with us but “White Riot” reminds the viewer that resistance not only comes in many forms but that fighting the good fight is never out of date.” - CTV News
"powerful and energizing” - AfroToronto
“White Riot reminds us that the world is much like a record. Sure the songs may start out pretty similar but if we ultimately don’t like what we’re hearing it’s incumbent on us to make sure we pick up that needle and change the tune, as well as make sure that we hit repeat on other tracks that just feel right.” - In the Seats
“As soon as I put this movie on I was immediately taken in by how relevant the subject matter of this documentary was and how important it was for people to see. “ - Steve Sebbing
“ nicely captures the fervor of the movement“ - National Observer
In her latest documentary, Rubika Shah's WHITE RIOT looks at the relationship between the punk rock revolution and the battle against racism in the UK in the late 1970s. In this 1on1, we speak to Shah about why music plays such an important role in political activism, the challenges of digging up history and the impact of ordinary people. - Audio Interview via ScreenFish Radio
“ Making Noise That Matters… Visceral and honest” - ScreenFish Radio
“Rubika Shah’s film crackles with a raucous energy as ordinary people challenge the status quo” - POV Magazine