On Resistance Street: Anti-Racism Documentary goes into the West
Louder Than War has reported on this, a hugely important film from day one. After screenings in Belfast, London, Rome, Southampton, Bolton, Scotland, Derby, Falmouth and other places, these are the latest exclusive chances to see the full finished work. Essential viewing for music lovers with pro-unity mindsets and fighters against bigotry from all generations…. Director Richard David gives us the details
‘ON RESISTANCE STREET’ is a 2 hour, feature length documentary examination of music’s fight against Fascism, racism and Right Wing ideology. It looks at musical Anti-Racism movements of the past like ‘Rock Against Racism’ in the ’70s and the – previously undocumented on film – ‘Stars Campaign For Inter-Racial Friendship’ from the late 1950s.
ORS also explores the crucial energy of Punk Rock in terms of breaking down sectarian barriers between Catholic and Protestant youth in Belfast during the 1970s ‘Troubles’. The film also charts contemporary political shifts to the Right across the west, appropriation of radical music/culture, the historical roots and traditions of ”woke” in the African-American struggle for Black emancipation and the evolution of musical social media groups battling racism today.
BRISTOL RADICAL FILM FESTIVAL Thursday 26 Sept 2024
In keeping with the documentary’s main theme: examining the role music plays in the fight against Fascism, racism, Right Wing ideology and bigotry, this event will combine both a full screening of ORS, with DJ sessions and live performances from up-and-coming Bristol MC’S, Rappers and Singers. Doors open at 7 p.m and entertainment commences then with a Militant DJ set from ‘Dub Punk’. The film will be screened following a short Director’s speech, between 7.30 p.m – 9.30 p.m.
That screening will be followed by performances from a selection of young, multi-cultural Bristol Artists represented by the ‘Emerging Sounds’ Agency. The showcase includes mellow vibes from Teddy Good, the positive wit and chill/hype rhymes of Kwazi, together with material from Alternative Soul Singer/Producer Sambee.
Performances from these young Bristol Artists represent a crucially important thread in the continuing inter-generational stance against racism in Britain, with events over recent weeks having underlined the need for continuing resistance, inside what have now become great socially historic traditions.
As such, there will be stands from both ‘Love Music Hate Racism’ and ‘Stand Up To Racism’ at the Bristol event.
The free Tickets for the Bristol Event can be obtained here.
LONDON – 12-13 October 2024 Triangle of Unity: Festival Of Arts And Culture
Moving ahead, in London on the weekend of October 12th-13th, ‘THE WORLD REIMAGINED’ are staging their ‘Triangle of Unity: Festival Of Arts And Culture’. The festival will celebrate the Arts, culture and innovation of the Black Atlantic Triangle and will feature captivating performances, panel discussions, art displays, a Food Village and and ‘The World Reimagined global tours’.
As part of the festival, ‘On Resistance Street’ will be screened at Kings College in the Strand on Sunday October 13th. The screening commences at 2 p.m. The full address of the venue is Edmund J Safra Theatre, Kings College, Strand Campus, Strand London WC2R 2LS.
‘THE WORLD REIMAGINED’ works with Councils, Community groups and organisations, presenting events and programmes showcasing Black History, Arts, Culture and Musical energies. Supported by The Arts Council Of England and a number of other prominent major partners, the organisation operates currently in the following ‘Host Cities’, London, Liverpool City Region, Leeds, Leicester, Swansea and Bristol. One of the slogans on its own website proclaims ”Joy Through Resistance”.
Tickets for the London screening are available here:
Richard Barclay, Executive Producer of ‘On Resistance Street’ said: ”We are delighted and proud to be working in partnership on these events with splendid groups like ‘Bristol Radical Film Festival’ and ‘The World Reimagined’. We are very happy to see young musical artists joining the Bristol screening and the ‘The Word Reimagined’ has developed a fantastic conceptual energy highlighting the Black western diaspora in America, the Caribbean and Britain. These are brilliant, important, cultural organisations which mirror the spirit in which our film was made and the messages of unity and equality carried within ‘On Resistance Street’.”
Further information on these and other screenings of the film in 2024, can be found on the ORS Facebook group page.
ORS carries an original soundtrack of contemporary protest songs, dramatic scenes and contributions from many renowned musicians, bands, solo artists, historians and commentators. It was shot on location in England, Belfast and New York over a two year period.
Contributors include: Original members of STEEL PULSE, ASWAD, THE SEX PISTOLS, THE LEVELLERS, THE MEN THEY COULDN’T HANG, THE DEFECTS, THE OUTCASTS, LADY SHOCKER, MATT WRACK Fire Brigade Union Leader, CHRIS SALESWICZ Biographer of Joe Strummer and Bob Marley, KIM-MARIE SPENCE Former Jamaica Film Commissioner, RAY GANGE ‘Rude Boy’ Clash movie Star, RICK BLACKMAN ‘Babylon’s Burning’ Historian and many others.
The film was written and directed by Richard David. It was produced by Richard David, Robin Banks and Robert Clother.
All screening inquiries for ORS to Toby Holdsworth ( toby.holdsworth@musicfilmnetwork.co.uk )
All words Richard David.
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