White Riot

White Riot is a 2019 British documentary that provides a look back at a critical moment in the late 1970s when music and politics intersected to effectuate noticeable change in society. The film centers around the formation and impact of Rock Against Racism (RAR), an activist collective and its explosive fusion of punk music and radical politics targeted towards fighting racial discrimination.

Under the astute direction of Rubika Shah, White Riot skilfully fuses archival footage with animated sequences, interviews and performances, creating a powerful aesthetic that celebrates a significant period in British cultural history. The film stars Red Saunders, a key figure in the Rock Against Racism movement, along with appearances from iconic punk rock band The Clash and speeches by Enoch Powell, taking us on a journey that shows how activism, art, creativity, and sheer defiance can instigate change and confront injustice.

The documentary is located in the music-infused metropolis of London in the late 1970s, a time of political upheaval, racial tensions, and social unrest. It was a period where the toxic rhetoric of figures like Enoch Powell, a prominent British member of parliament, caused widespread divisiveness. In 1976, after a slew of incidents involving racial slurs by prominent rock stars, Saunders, a photography director and an activist, decided that it was time for the music industry to make a stand.

White Riot begins by offering a detailed history of RAR, first as a fanzine that combines music criticism with radical leftist politics, then as a collective and eventually culminating in the infamous Anti-Nazi League Carnival in Victoria Park, which saw more than hundred thousand fans gather to make their stand against racism. The documentary features insightful interviews with key figures linked to the RAR campaign along with gritty snapshots of explosive street protests, scene-setting archive materials, and infectious punk anthems.

As we journey through the narrative, we meet the charismatic and passionate Saunders, who realized the powerful societal impact music could generate. Stirring speeches by the highly controversial Enoch Powell and snippets of performances by The Clash, among others, amplify the unsettling tension and reactionary urgency of the time.

Moreover, the film doesn't shy away from exploring the intricacies of the sociopolitical era it portrays. It takes time to unpack the controversial "Rivers of Blood" speech by Powell, the rising influence of the National Front, and the broader socio-political landscape of 1970s Britain. These elements are expertly weaved into the broader narrative, giving the audience a sense of context and underscoring the significance of RAR's efforts.

White Riot is a vivid, energetic, and inspiring documentary, striking at the heart of activism and its potential power within society. Shah's expert handling of a wide array of footage, including concert captures, demonstration coverage, and band practices, projects an intimate and raw look at a movement that might have remained a mere footnote in music and political history.

Despite being set forty years ago, White Riot feels starkly relevant in today's societal landscape, reaching beyond its music documentary genre. It takes the audience on a journey through the origins, struggles, and victories of the anti-racist movement in the 70s Britain, highlighting how art, specifically music, can be a potent tool for societal change. It provides cultural and historical insights that are invaluable for both music enthusiasts and socio-political history buffs. At its core, White Riot is a rousing testament to the power of music and collective action, demonstrating how ordinary people can rise against adversity when united by a common cause.

So, whether punk-era Britain intrigues you, issues on racial divisions concern you, or the intersection of music and politics interest you, White Riot is a fascinating watch. In its heart-thudding punk rock gig moments and amidst its vibrant 70s backdrop, the film expects us to reassess the past while encouraging proactive engagement with the present.

White Riot beckons us into a precedent of creative activism, where rebellious verses met radical politics only to pen an immortal story of resistance - a must-watch for any history enthusiast, rock 'n' roll fan, or champion of social justice.