Sometimes the greatest and most profound art is created during moments of upheaval, as a reaction against a political or social climate that is seen as unjust. And that explosive blend of vision and expression will be on full display at the Tribeca Film Festival in the documentary "Let Fury Have the Hour."
The feature directorial debut from acclaimed author, visual artist, and filmmaker Antonino D’Ambrosio chronicles how a generation of artists, thinkers and activists used their creativity — and their creations — as a response to the reactionary politics that came to define 1980s culture. The mixed-media collage incorporates graphic art, music, animation and spoken word and spans three decades of change — from the cynical heyday of Reagan and Thatcher through today — and brings together over 50 writers, playwrights, painters, poets, skateboarders, dancers, musicians and rights advocates, all of whom attest to the fact that we can re-imagine the world we live in and take an active role in making that vision a reality.
And this thing is packed with talent. John Sayles, Chuck D, Shepard Fairey, Lewis Black, Ian MacKaye, Billy Bragg and Tom Morello are among the featured participants in the film and Wayne Kramer of the MC5 (who is also interviewed) provides the original score as well. In addtion, the soundtrack boasts an iPod-ready list of artists, including Public Enemy, Thievery Corporation, MC5, Minor Threat, Fugazi, The Slackers, Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, The Clash, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Billy Bragg, Manu Chao, Gogol Bordello, DJ Spooky and more.
The film will make its world premiere on Saturday, April 21st at 9:30 p.m. at the SVA Theater. Watch the exclusive trailer below.