Punky Reggae Party: Babylon (1980)

Opens on July 21

Director: Franco Rosso Run Time: 95 min. Release Year: 1980

Starring: Brian Bovell, Brinsley Forde, Karl Howman, Trevor Laird, Victor Romero Evans

Synopsis: The origins of iconic punk bands like The Sex Pistols and The Clash were intertwined with a vibrant London scene influenced by the explosive sounds of reggae, ska, and rocksteady. This was largely fueled by the immigration from English colonies in the Caribbean from 1947- 1962, called the Windrush generation, whose work was needed in the reconstruction of Britain in the aftermath of World War II. With them they brought records and sound system culture from their homelands which changed the sonic landscape of the country forever.

We’ll explore how “Punky Reggae Party” got recorded by Bob Marley and Lee Scratch Perry in London, in the midst of the leather studs and frenetic beats of this ultimate sound clash, with the help of The 1980 film “Babylon,” directed by Franco Ross. This acclaimed film delves into the gritty realities of London’s reggae scene amidst racial tension and social unrest. Set against a backdrop of police hostility, economic hardship, and rising anti-immigrant sentiment of Thatcher’s England, the film follows young dancehall DJ Blue as he navigates his passion for music and the challenges of being a second-generation Jamaican immigrant. “Babylon” intricately weaves the influence of punk into its narrative, highlighting how both genres served as rebellious outlets against societal oppression and drawing parallels between punk’s anti-establishment ethos and reggae’s messages of resistance and identity.

Showtimes: Sunday, July 21, 2024: 6:00 PM
Ticket Prices: $13 Regular / $11 Students & Seniors / $9 Members
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yih4xkBTBX4&ab_channel=TheFridaCinema