When punk rock erupted in Washington DC, it was a mighty convergence of powerful music, friendships, and clear minds. This film is the first to explore the incredible challenges that this subculture faced when it took root in the Nation’s Capital in the late 1970’s. Punk the Capital situates DC punk within the larger narratives of rock n' roll, working as a powerful multi-layered story for both fans and non-fans of punk rock. Featuring musicians such as Bad Brains, Henry Rollins, and Ian MacKaye, this film dives deep into the ideas and sounds from this transformative music scene which continues to be influential culturally and politically around the world.

Join PUNK THE CAPITAL director James June Schneider & co-director Paul Bishow for a conversation and Q&A hosted by Amherst Cinema, Thu, May 20 at 7PM. This event will stream free on Facebook Live – get full details at https://www.facebook.com/events/370622584372355

“Even if you think you already know everything you ever wanted to about Washington’s hardcore punk scene, Punk the Capital will surprise you. It is deeply intelligent and satisfying, a moving and affectionate corrective to punk’s traditionally bleak self-accounting.” – The Culture Vulture