Richard Davies’ British documentary On Resistance Street, about the importance of music in the “fight against racism and fascism” in the UK, was premiered in Belfast and could form the basis for a new edition of Rock Against Racism in 2024.
“We need Rock Against Racism again in London or Belfast. “If we can already organize concerts, we need to be able to put on a bigger show with big bands and new acts that can raise awareness of the issue of racism in this country.” Director Richard Davis told Lusa agency about this.
The Rock Against Racism (RAR) movement, which ran from 1976 to 1981, directly involved the “subcultures” of punk and new wave, as well as the power of reggae musicians, to combat the growing “organizational power” of the National Front (extreme). on right).
The more than two-hour documentary is inspired by the “messages” of the British band Clash: political awareness against violence, against racism and fascism, in favor of creativity.
“After the screening in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where I was told the work should be shown in schools, the film will be shown everywhere, but we want to do a big anti-racism concert in London with big names, speeches and artists. because music has the advantage of showing political and social reality. Music and culture are under attack right now and we want to fight it,” he added.
For Richard Davis, 64, music is currently “fragmented” and he believes the “music business” does not reflect political, social and economic reality.
“Rock ‘n’ roll was made by young people and aimed at young people, now we have young people listening to rock ‘n’ roll made by older people, which changes the whole dynamic because the biggest rebellion always comes from the ‘Heart’ “The rebellion of young people explains the Rock Against Racism movement or bands like the Clash or Punk, because there was a connection between the scene, the musicians and the audience,” he states, criticizing the current detachment. publishers.
“What I know is that young rebels don’t have rebel musicians because publishers have turned their backs on all the dynamics that helped create important movements or raise awareness. What is the role of music now? The fight is not over yet and there is “There is hope and we must show our stance against racism,” charges the British director and political activist.
The documentary, a direct critique of the British and North American far right, included testimony from musicians such as Paul Simonon, former Clash bassist, Glen Matlock, founder of the Sex Pistols, and Tony Robinson of the reggae band Aswad, among others. , Steel Pulse’s Mikaell Riley, singer Paul Simmonds and actor Ray Gang, the main character in the Clash film Rude Boy (1980).
On the Street of Resistance, an independent production, also features British historian Rick Blackman, author of Babylon Burning, a book about the various anti-racist movements in the United Kingdom after the Second World War, which was recently presented in Portugal. .
The documentary was also a direct response to the “provocation” of former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who said in a television interview that he was a “definite fan” of the Clash.
“When Boris Johnson declared the Clash his favorite band, we thought we should do something about it. On social media, fan groups do not reflect what the group actually meant, and I have found that many people take advantage of the group. stories for completely opposite purposes, taking the opportunity to infiltrate opposing messages, as happened with Brexit,” explains Richard Davies.
For the director, the documentary is no longer a “movie” about Punk and the Clash, but “intends” to project itself into the present and future and lay the foundations for the promotion of “music and culture” using references that have proven effective. “positive”.
“I met Joe Strummer [vocalista dos Clash] when I was 20 years old. I was sentenced to prison for being involved in clashes with the police, and when I came out of prison I met Mick Jones. [guitarrista dos Clash] who very kindly gave me a free pass to all the shows on the London Calling album tour. [1979]“,” he admits, emphasizing that “rebellious music” ultimately opened a new path in his life.
“I was talking to Joe Strummer one day and he told me, ‘Prison is for stupid people.’ [‘mugs’] and for freedom fighters [‘freedoom fighters’}. Faz qualquer coisa criativa, arranja uma guitarra e canaliza a tua energia em alguma coisa que seja criativa e positiva. Este é o meu conselho. Eu levei à letra o conselho de Strummer que transformou a minha vida: ser criativo e conseguir um rumo de vida. Comecei a cantar no metropolitano e agora faço filmes”, conclui Davis.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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