The cultural enclave of Croydon is to have its punk and post-punk scenes celebrated with a new documentary film and compilation album.
Are They Hostile? is the brainchild of director Mark Williams and Griff Griffiths of the band BAD ACTORS, whose 1980 debut single gives the film its title.
Cited in some quarters as the 'birthplace of punk', thanks to its links with THE DAMNED and JOHNNY MOPED, Croydon spawned several great bands who never quite went overground as punk exploded on a national and international lever. Covering the late 70s to the early 80s, the documentary casts a spotlight on bands such as THE MARINES (pictured), THE DALEKS, THE HEROES, CASE, FANATICS and more from the once thriving scene built around such legendary venues as The Greyhound and The Star.
As Griffiths explains, “It’s also a film about being young, being passionate, being part of something.”
Are They Hostile? will premier at the David Lean Cinema in Croydon on 2 September with a Q&A afterwards by Griffiths and Williams, with an aftershow party nearby with special celebrity guests to be confirmed.
The film will be accompanied by the release of an 18-track vinyl and CD compilation, released through Damaged Goods, which is available to pre-order here.