White Riot

Rubika Shah's documentary covers the Rock Against Racism movement founded in Britain at the end of the seventies. In a period when the National Front was rising and racist attacks were increasing, a group of artists decided to push back with a fanzine called Temporary Hoarding and a series of concerts. The best material is the fanzine itself. Its pages, collages and handmade design are used directly on screen and form the documentary's visual language. That shows the punk aesthetic of the period rather than describing it. The events that triggered the movement are set out plainly, including Eric Clapton's 1976 remarks and statements David Bowie made at the time. The documentary also centres the meeting of the punk and reggae scenes. Who it's for: those interested in punk history and the relationship between music and politics. Who it's not for: viewers wanting a comprehensive political history of Britain; the documentary is short and narrowly focused.