Educational Media Reviews Online

The year is 1976 and England is in a state of unrest. A political machine called the National Front is looking to win in the upcoming collection, making gains in popularity while spewing their hateful and racist rhetoric. Since the 1950s, the United Kingdom had become a melting pot of races, as immigrants were courted from the Caribbean and Asia to work less desirable jobs. Two decades later, the country is suffering from wage cuts, a housing crisis, and failing social services. Someone has to be to blame here; a scapegoat perhaps. Some say that history repeats itself, and in this case, the situation begins to feel eerily similar to Hitler’s rise to power on the cusp of World War II. This surely cannot happen again, right?

White Riot is a documentary that recounts a story not typically found in a history book. Taking its name from a song by punk rock visionaries The Clash, it isn’t just a tale of good versus evil or David versus Goliath. It’s one filled with names like Red Saunders, Irate Kate, Joe Strummer, Tim Robinson, Sham69, Steel Pulse, and X-Ray Spex. These musicians and artists all had an instrumental hand in a socio-political movement called “Rock Against Racism.” As incidents of hate crimes and police brutality against people of color were on the rise, the goal of RAR was to unite blacks and whites under the common love of music. Using underground networks and hands on guerrilla activities, the movement fought to protect the basic human rights of people. But in a world where commoners may feel powerless and even useless, can the actions of ordinary people can actually make a powerful change?

The film smartly marries present day interviews with stellar period video footage and photographs, often using cartoon-style effects as scene transitions. In addition, the viewer gets to see letters, literature, and pamphlets from the RAR movement that have been preserved for over forty years. Mirroring the production of a zine, the digital art used is engaging and helps to convey the grassroots organization of the movement itself. Things appear a bit dirty and gritty at times, which is no coincidence. It does not feel like just another retelling of a historical event. The message still resounds today and would easily inspire further discussions.

White Riot is an essential film for any academic library. It’s themes of social progress, racism, human rights, and culture are universal for a multitude of disciplines. In addition, the film appeals to a general adult audience due to heavy involvement of popular musicians of the period. Viewers should take note that the film contains profanity and that one particular scene transition incorporates a flashing red light, which may be offensive to some.

Awards:

Winner Best Documentary, BFI London Film Festival 2019; Special Mention Crystal Bear, Berlin International Film Festival 2020; Sound & Vision Official Selection, CPH:DOX 2020; Special Mention DocFilmMusic Competition, Krakow Film Festival 2020; Winner IndieMusic Awarg, IndieLisboa International Film Festival 2020

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