In 1981, Frans Bromet of the Dutch television VPRO TV created an interesting documentary about the Southern California punk scene. What I dig about this film is that the filmmaker actually took the time to speak to the kids of the scene as equals, rather than make generalizations about them as many adults did at the time. Many of the kids he interviews bring up some points that are not always touched on – like that many of the SoCal hardcore kids came from upper middle class families. Also, it’s cool to hear how kids felt about growing up during the Reagan era. Bromet also recorded sets from a young Suicidal Tendencies, 45 Grave, Unit3 and Venus (who steals the show), China White and more. Teenagers back then were not perfect, but you have to realize that mass culture back then was even more closed-minded than it is today! It’s extra awesome that Bromet had the foresight to interview the girls of the scene. I think teenagers in the here and now could relate to this film, because no matter the decade, some young humans will always feel discounted from what society says is the real normal. Now check out the Surf Punks (what a lame name!) documentary after the jump!
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