The Decline of Western Civilization: Part I

When Pitchfork asked her at 70 how she would describe herself, Penelope Spheeris answered: “My identity is The Decline of Western Civilization.” Striking, because despite the global success of WAYNE’S WORLD, she keeps feeling connected by this raw documentary about the explosive punk revolution in L.A. which birskly proclaimed and lived by this motto: destroy the old, make way for the new.

THE DECLINE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION is a compelling, unfiltered dive into a subculture full of anger, humor, and radical energy. Through interviews with fans, critics, and club owners, the film offers a powerful portrait of a movement that has permanently changed music and youth culture in recent decades. Performances by Germs, Black Flag, X, Fear, and Circle Jerks offer an unvarnished glimpse into a generation that didn’t accept rules.

This film screening is part of the brand new PULSE MUSIC FILM FESTIVAL (22-25 January).