The Cumberland Museum is presenting a special screening of the critically-acclaimed film Bloodied but Unbowed, June 23 at the Cumberland Masonic Hall. This special film event is part of a new tradition for the museum, with the aim of exploring themes of rebellion and revolution through arts, culture and politics. The screening also marks the opening of the 26th annual Miners Memorial Weekend. Bloodied But Unbowed is the first in-depth chronicle of Vancouver punk from 1977 to 1982. Hitting on universal themes of alienation, rebellion, loss of innocence and regret, it is a true document of a scene known for its raunchy brand of humour, delivering both vast amounts of archival performance footage and commentary. The Vancouver Sun has called the film “Marvellous!” Bands like DOA, Subhumans, Young Canadians, Pointed Sticks, Modernettes, UJ3RK5 and the Dishrags helped forge the city’s reputation as an alternative mecca, attracting and influencing the likes of Kurt Cobain, former Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan, Jello Biafra, Bob Rock, Gerry Barad and the hardcore king of all media, Henry Rollins. Leather, spit, beer, drugs, sex and a righteously enraged music terrified the mainstream in Vancouver in the 1970s, and Bloodied But Unbowed captures the raw essence of the kids who barely lived through it, as well as those who did not. “Bloodied but Unbowed takes a loving and long-overdue look at one of the most fertile scenes in North American music history, with Tabata mixing rare archival footage with modern-day interviews with those who were on the front lines,” according to Straight.com. Drugs wreaked havoc in the punk scene, snuffing short the lives of some of the scene’s luminaries. But despite the harsh toll, many of Vancouver’s most infamous sons are still on the road, playing gigs and generally causing an uproar. Narrated by Billy Hopeless and packed with stories of love and loss, rebellion and regret, Bloodied But Unbowed captures the rise and fall of an epic era. “Tabata contextualizes the scene up north, while also capturing the moment with the still-vital music, genuine-article photos and footage from Dennis Hopper’s Out of the Blue (1980), and those ironclad anecdotes, ending with the images of a road-worn D.O.A. and an encounter with the vanquished hope of the punk scene, Art Bergmann,” stated the San Francisco Bay Guardian. Filmmaker Susanne Tabata will be in attendance at the screening. All ages are welcome, although viewer discretion is highly advised as the film contains course language. Tickets are $10. Call 250-336-2445 to reserve your ticket. After the film, head over to the Cumberland Hotel for a special show with the all-girl punk band, The East Vamps. Admission is $10 at the door. — Cumberland Museum and Archives

Comox Valley Record