Beijing Punk

As the film's tagline goes, when 1.3 billion Chinese discover punk music, what happens? Chaos happens, that's what.

Beijing Punkis a feature-length documentary that was filmed in China's capital just as the 2008 Olympics were taking place. It is centered around a Beijing club called D-22, following four Chinese bands — Demerit, PK14, Hedgehog and Misandao — as well as some of the key players in the Chinese underground music scene.

The political, will-to-freedom sentiment may not be as readily expressed today as many punk bands that go mainstream change their look and sound to garner a larger audience. But original punk music, in essence, attacks the government — the "man." In Beijing Punk, we learn that this rebellious defiance is revived once again in the newer punk scenes, such as those in Asia.

It is thus not surprising that many of the songs featured in this documentary contain biting lyrics sung in both Chinese and English that criticize the Communist government in China. While tourists and law-abiding nationals happily celebrate the Beijing Olympics for the cameras, the punk bands underground vehemently object it. For instance, Spike, the lead singer for Demerit, states in a voiceover dissenting the Olympic games in China, "Games for the rich/ death for the poor/ the rich become richer than before." Nothing is off limits when it comes to punk music lyrics.

Beijing Punkmakes Chinese punk relatable not only to punk music lovers, but to everyone in general — music aficionados, political specialists, the average Joe, etc. Unlike most documentaries, this film aims to publicize the very existence of Chinese punk, rather than to convey a specific issue being faced in the punk music scene in China. Australian filmmaker and screenwriter Shaun Jefford skillfully portrays the members of the bands as hardworking, average people as opposed to glamorized rock stars. They do what they love, regardless of whether it is conventional or acceptable to society, and they will continue to do what they love for as long as they can, despite many political, social and economic issues that may arise. Punk rock is a lifestyle for these bold and boisterous bands, and it is truly a remarkable experience to see them live it.

This documentary is being screened at 7 p.m. by the New Jersey Film Festival on Sept. 3. at Voorhees Hall 105 on the College Avenue campus. For more information on other films being shown, locations, times and prices, visit the website at www.njfilmfest.com.