Croydon is arguably the UK’s birthplace of punk, largely due to The Damned and Johnny Moped, but there were a number of other groups which didn’t gain comparable recognition. The brainchild of Bad Actor Griff Griffiths and VHS Forever? Psychotronic People director Mark Williams, this new documentary shines a light on local punk, new wave and indie bands that followed in the period 1977-1985. Are They Hostile? combines memorable songs with interviews featuring members of Case, The Daleks, The Heroes, The Fanatics, The Marines, The Straps, Johnny Moped and The Bad Actors. Griff explains “It’s also a film about being young, being passionate, being part of something”. A special Are They Hostile? lager created by Croydon’s Cronx Brewery will be on sale in the Arts Bar! An 18-track compilation album to accompany the film will be released on 2 September, on vinyl and CD, by Damaged Goods Records. This will be available at the first screening. There will also be a party immediately afterwards (2 September only) at the nearby V-Bar (79 High Street).
Both screenings will be followed by a Q&A with Mark Williams, Griff Griffiths and Johnny Moped drummer Marty Love.