“STILL ALIVE” – HARDCORE. PUNK. STRAIGHT EDGE.

Peter Steinert | Germany 2024 | 45’ | OV

Punk is dead, isn’t it? At the latest during the long concert break caused by the Covid 19, one might have thought so. But since the end of the pandemic, the opposite seems to have happened, with the DIY and hardcore scene appearing more vibrant than it has been in a long time. Even after more than four decades, hardcore kids are still doing somersaults off the stage, jumping through the mosh pit in Two-Step and painting a black X on the back of their hands as a sign of their commitment to the drug-free Straight Edge movement. “still alive” accompanies the people who keep this subculture alive.

In addition to bands, organisers and a photographer, the film also features otherwise less noticed helpers at the entrance or at the bar, as well as people who work behind the scenes, invisible to the audience, for example in the kitchen or elsewhere backstage.

Their motivation is always fuelled by a passion for music and the desire to translate abstract themes such as equality, self-organisation and criticism of capitalism into concrete action.

Interviews with: Conceal, Andy Villhauer (NRR Shows, Spark, Mortal Form, Spirit Crusher), Borgzinner, ONE, Till (Wallflower Frames, Evergrove, RWNCT).
On stage: Force Of Denial, Phase, Wonderful World, Evergrove, Chemical Threat, One Step Closer.

Additional facts: This documentary was produced at the Karlsruhe University of Music, at its Institute for Music Journalism, as a contribution to Volume Magazine, a music blog on the alternative music scene run by director Steinert himself, focusing on his region, the Rhine-Main-Neckar area.