Synopsis) In 1991 a new phenomenon called Riot Girl spread from Olympia,
Washington to Washington D.C., breaking the stereotypes and roles of the
underground punk scene. This movement allowed women and girls to exercise
more influence in the alternative music community. Riot Girl made a
sizeable impact on independent music, as well as the women involved in it.
However, in 1994 the movement dwindled and died. In today’s hardcore punk
scene, many of the messages of Riot Girl have been forgotten. Even though
women still participate in the punk and hardcore community, there is a
lack of a unifying message, and an absence of coherence to their
contributions. This can be seen in the relationships that women share with
one another, as well as in the lack of empathy that women often face from
their male and female counterparts. To this end, we propose to document
not only the history of Riot Girl and its impact, but also the state of
women in hardcore punk today. With this documentary, we plan to give women
the space to speak about their feelings and experiences, and re-establish
a sense of empowerment and equality within the punk scene. It is our hope
that by creating this portrait, women will feel a heightened sense of
solidarity with one another, and everyone will gain a sense of
understanding about how gender roles operate, even in a sub cultural
dynamic.

Got a story you can share? We'll be in Chicago on March 31, April 1, and 2.
Contact us: www.myspace.com/fromthebackoftheroom