The Punk Singer 
Starring: Kathleen Hanna, Carrie Brownstein, Kim Gordon
Directed by:Sini Anderson
Rated: NR
Run Time: 80 mins
Genre:Documentary
Opens December 13th
By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com
Hey Phoenix Film Fans! Opening this week at Film Bar in Downtown Phoenix is a documentary about on of the movers and shakers of the Riot grrrl movement during the 1990’s. “The Punk Singer” chronicles the life and career of the lead singer of Bikini Kill and LeTigre, Kathleen Hanna.
With a career that spans over the course of twenty some odd years, the name Kathleen Hanna can strike quite the chord with many a person. While some see her as a controversial figure, one of the leaders in the 3rd wave of feminism and Riot grrl punk rock, Hanna is a complex woman that gets very real in this documentary.
While Hanna is usually a private person, she has always been one to bring awareness to projects or issues close to her heart. Whether that be crying out the injustice of gender inequality, rape, incest or abuse victims or the struggles with a rare illness, Hanna lets Director Sini Anderson take an in-depth look into a complex woman. Interviews included are former bandmates, Kathi Wilcox, JD Sampson and Johanna Fateman; musicians such as Joan Jett, journalists, friends and husband Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys.
If you're not familiar with this movement during the 1990’s or maybe had a biased opinion about the movement, this film gets down to the heart of the matter, taking a stripped down look at such a charismatic yet multifarious public figure. Kathleen Hanna was a many thing to different people whether that be a voice for injustice, an entertainer, a polarizing feminist or a musical genius for a generation of women, needless to say, she is fascinating. In this documentary, even if you’re not a fan of this genre of music, Director Sini Anderson slowly peels away the layers of anger, angst and feminist persona to reveal a normal real person that has deep emotions and although has gone through a lot of heartache, can get through dark moments with grace and hidden strength. Be sure to check out “The Punk Singer” when it plays at Film Bar in Downtown Phoenix starting Friday December 13, 2013.
