The Punk Singer

US documentary about ballsy punk feminist Kathleen Hanna lands in the UK

The Punk Singer, directed by Sini Anderson, is a jubilant documentary offering audiences never-before-seen footage of feminist icon, and punk star Kathleen Hanna, who fronted Bikini Kill, Le Tigre and was a pivotal figure in the riot grrrl movement. For those who haven’t heard of Kathleen, please don’t be put off. This film is as much about the perseverance, optimism and vulnerability of Hanna, as it is about the bands she fronted or the movement she helped to create. 

Hanna herself identified her story’s universality when she said; “You don’t think of a feminist punk rock story as a very American story, but to me that is what an American artist’s story is”. Her rise to fame, against the odds, is a surprisingly classic story of talent and hard work paying off.

Beneath the film’s ecstatic feminist message, there is real jeopardy and fear; Andersoncatches Hanna at her most vulnerable, as she deals with an exceptionally late Lyme disease diagnosis. There is also a healthy dose of romance thrown in, as Hanna’s relationship with Beastie Boys’ Adam Horovitz, is documented from the very start, and the audience watches their love tested by difficult circumstances. 

Of course, the soundtrack is full of punk classics - Hanna is now considered one of Kurt Cobain’s greatest influences - and for those unfamiliar with her music, watching this film might be the perfect way to begin to understand the vital importance of message to Hanna’s melody. 

If you are a fan of great documentaries, ballsy feminists,or even ballsier punk music, we suggest not missing The Punk Singer this May.