Watch White Riot

White Riot is a 2019 documentary film that delves deep into the roots of the British punk rock scene and its encounters with racism. The film is directed by Rubika Shah and stars Red Saunders, The Clash, Enoch Powell, and other notable figures who were at the forefront of the movement. The film takes place in the late 1970s, a time when the UK was undergoing significant political upheaval. There was widespread poverty, high unemployment rates, and a growing sense of disillusionment among the youth. Against this backdrop, punk rock emerged, with its raw energy and political messages that challenged the establishment.

The punk scene was also marked by a distinct anti-racist stance, as many of its saw themselves as outsiders who were fighting against the racism and xenophobia prevalent in British society. The film documents the growth of Rock Against Racism (RAR), a movement that started as a response to a series of far-right concerts held in London and evolved into a national campaign that brought British punk bands together in a show of solidarity against racism.

The central narrative of White Riot revolves around the rise of the National Front, a far-right political party that was gaining popularity in the late 1970s. The party's rallies were marked by violence and racism, and they often targeted immigrant communities. The film shows how RAR and the punk scene mobilized against the National Front, staging a series of concerts and festivals that promoted racial unity and celebrated diversity.

One of the key figures in the film is Red Saunders, a photographer and activist who co-founded RAR. Saunders describes the early days of the movement and how it gradually gained traction, with more and more punk bands ing its ranks. The film also features interviews with of The Clash, one of the biggest punk bands of the time, who were outspoken in their opposition to racism.

The film is interspersed with archival footage from concerts and rallies, as well as interviews with people who were involved in the punk scene or affected by racism at the time. It also includes clips from speeches by Enoch Powell, a Conservative MP who gained notoriety in the 1960s for his anti-immigrant rhetoric.

What sets White Riot apart from other documentaries about punk rock is its focus on the intersection of music and politics. The film shows how the punk scene was not just about entertainment but also a vehicle for social change. It explores how punk rockers used their music and their platforms to challenge the status quo and fight against injustice.

The film's message is one of hope and unity. It shows how a diverse group of people came together to fight against racism and create a new kind of society. While the film is set in the past, its themes are still relevant today. It is a reminder that the fight against racism and inequality is ongoing and that music can be a powerful tool for social change.

Overall, White Riot is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of punk rock and its connection to politics. It is a well-crafted documentary that tells an important story and celebrates the power of music to create a better world.

White Riot is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 80.