The Godfathers of hardcore
Now Streaming Everywhere!!
Click the image for a trailer.
The Film
Roger Miret and Vinnie Stigma are lynchpins of New York Hardcore (NYHC), and their band Agnostic Front played a key role in defining, shaping and establishing the sound and cultural code of conduct for the still-thriving movement. Unlike the dozens of bands that have come and gone, leaving their indelible footprint along the way, Agnostic Front are still going strong, 11 studio albums into their 30-plus year career.
In a landscape of increasing apathy and complacency, the messages Agnostic Front presents are as relevant today as they were in the ‘80s when the band members were impoverished, scrappy and ambitious, often fighting for their very survival as well as the perseverance of their volatile but highly inspirational band.
Roger and Vinnie remain the very embodiment of hardcore, representing endurance, perseverance, brotherhood, strength against oppression and the will to keep going, obstacles be damned. Agnostic Front exist on a level all their own. . . a level of their own creation.
Press
Rolling Stone – “Agnostic Front Doc Shows a Band of Hardcore Brothers Who Never Gave Up“
Uproxx – “The ‘Godfathers Of Hardcore’ Documentary Distills New York’s Hardcore Scene Into Its Purest Elements“
Revolver – “Intense new film follows punk icons Roger Miret, Vinnie Stigma from gritty NYC roots to present day struggles“
No Film School – “Director Ian McFarland discuss The Godfathers Of Hardcore on No Film School podcast“
Blabbermouth – “‘The Godfathers Of Hardcore’ Documentary To Receive World Premiere At DOC NYC Festival“
In Effect Hardcore – “The Godfathers Of Hardcore simply oozes over with tons of insightful and extremely interesting information on Roger and Vinnie while telling the Agnostic Front story from many angles“
Breaking Bread with Ben Grim – “It was f**king great!“
DOCNYC – “Photo recap from the WORLD PREMIERE of THE GODFATHERS OF HARDCORE at DOCNYC.“
Record Store Day – The Godfathers Of Hardcore named official film of Record Store Day 2018
Creative Loafing – ‘The Godfathers of Hardcore’ looks beyond the music
“Godfathers acts as a dynamic, crucial companion piece to American Hardcore, The Decline of Western Civilization and other films chronicling the evolution of Eighties punk.”
Rolling Stone
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“a must-see”
UPROXX
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“This film delivers the unexpectedly human side of hardcore while meditating on longevity and authenticity.” McFarland uses his craftsmanship along with rare access to weave The Godfathers of Hardcore into something more than a rock doc. The camerawork gives Roger and Vinnie space to contemplate while the pacing carries each scene, into what ultimately becomes a story of kinship and love.”
Eric Gulliver – Producer, PBS American Experience
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“This film is not only an important piece of hardcore music history but it also tells the story of friendship, honor, perseverance and truth. Art and music that changes the course of humanity comes from real genuine struggle and passion. This film captures that passion that struggle that defines a genre of music, sealed the bonds of friendship and family. The Legendary band Agnostic Front is finally recognized for who they are and their impact of music as a whole. It’s easily one of the most powerful and important musical documentaries of the hardcore culture of our lifetime. Hardcore culture and hardcore pride captured is captured in this film. Respect due!”
Jesse Leach – Killswitch Engage
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“The Godfathers of Hardcore tells the story of NY Hardcore with respect and true historical context. It digs through the gritty, aggressive layers to the graceful humanity that drove a bunch of street kids to form a scene accepting of everyone regardless of race, color,or creed. Known for being simple and brutal in it’s music and message, McFarland reveals a bond of love and brotherhood that has survived decades on the underground, and continues today.”
CJ Ramone – The Ramones
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“A unique and intimate look at the faces of one NYC’s strongest counter cultures. Well done!” A superbly crafted story chronicling the relationship between two of New York Hard Core’s most iconic figures. McFarland has masterfully peaked behind the curtain of one of New York City’s strongest counter cultures and revealed the love and sacrifice that is shared between two of it’s most iconic faces. He has been able to put a human face on music documentary.”
Sean Stack – Executive Producer, National Geographic
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“Standing leagues above the standard rock-n-roll origin tale, The Godfathers of Hardcore artfully examines two legendary examples of that rarest of breeds- youthful rebels whose circumstances and convictions first compel them to exist on the fringes of normal society, then continue to sustain them after they refuse to capitulate to the status quo well into middle age. Given the abrasive nature of the music that shaped its subjects, The Godfathers of Hardcore is a weighty and strangely beautiful film, leading the viewer to consider both mortality and meaning in their own existence. Highly recommended!”
D. Randall Blythe – Lamb of God / Author of the national best-selling memoir, Dark Days.
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I have been a fan of AF since seeing them in ’84. This film is the “golden ticket” to a time machine ride through the early days of American Hardcore, seen through the eyes of two of it’s most influential forefathers. If you were not there, here is the next best thing!!! Whatever you do see this movie! No Rockumentary has ever connected with me on so many levels! What ever you do, see this film!!!! This film is a must see!!!!
Al Barr – The Dropkick Murphys
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“Having seen Agnostic Front countless times in the early 80’s at Great Gildersleeves, A7, CBGB’s, and other NYC venues I’m so happy that the filmmakers did such an amazing job capturing and representing both the band and the scene they came from.”
Moby – Electronic Artist
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