White Riot – the British documentary film

In the realm of British documentaries and visual arts, there’s no shortage of material for those keen to dive into the socio-political climate of the UK. It’s a country whose rich tapestry of social commentary is vividly painted through various mediums, from the iconic “Top of the Pops” in music to gripping narratives in documentaries and dramas.

Among them, the BBC and platforms like Netflix have offered profound insights into British society, with series like “The Crown” delving into the interplay between the nobility, politicians, and the working class amidst a stagnating society.

The documentary “White Riot” is a fascinating exploration of a pivotal moment in British history, focusing on the grassroots movement “Rock Against Racism (RAR)” that stood up against the far-right “National Front (NF)” party, notorious for its anti-immigrant stance. The film is built around interviews with RAR members, offering a riveting glimpse into their fight against racism.

This is a film I’ve been eager to see. It was slated for a theatrical release at one point, but like many others, it was postponed due to the pandemic. Fortunately, it’s now available on Amazon Prime Video.

“White Riot” delves into the controversial support some rock legends like David Bowie and Rod Stewart allegedly gave to the NF. One interviewee shares a poignant moment of disillusionment upon hearing Stewart’s words, leading them to discard all his records in a symbolic rejection of his perceived stance on immigration.

The irony of a musician moving to Los Angeles while allegedly supporting anti-immigration policies didn’t go unnoticed, drawing a wry observation on the integrity of fandom.

One of the powerful moments in the film comes from a member of RAR, RED, stating, “Their music’s roots are in black music, aren’t they?” This highlights the profound connection between music genres and their sociopolitical contexts, from UK reggae to punk and beyond, each representing different facets of societal unrest and expression:

1. Reggae as the voice of those experiencing racial discrimination.
2. Punk as the music of youth expressing social stagnation.
3. The far-right’s own reflection of societal closure, albeit through a political lens.
4. RAR’s role as a civic movement.

The documentary paints a vivid picture of the clash between music, civic action, and political activism against the backdrop of a society grappling with its direction. Ultimately, the NF’s influence wanes, culminating in a powerful scene featuring a live performance of “White Riot” by The Clash, an emblematic end to a stirring documentary.