The Clash’s visceral punk anthem is an apt title for this passionate tribute to the grassroots movement Rock Against Racism, which countered the surge of the British neo-Nazi National Front in the 1970s. In a turbulent time of social unrest and unemployment, easy scapegoats were the fading Empire’s immigrant communities – Afro-Caribbean, Asian – with prejudice fueled by both politicians and out-of-touch rock stars (Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart).
Enter an impromptu coalition of anti-fascist political groups, radical reggae, and punk bands (Steel Pulse, X-Ray Spex, The Clash) and determined music fans, who came together for a concert of defiance and deterrence.
Expanding on her acclaimed short film of the same title, Rubika Shah’s feature documentary brings the past vividly to life. contemporary eye-witness testimonies, archive footage, a stirring soundtrack and energized, DIY collage-style of video, photo, and graphics recall the era’s underground music ‘zine scene. An inspirational retelling of cultural resistance, all-too relevant to troubled modern times.