filed under Film
A Cold Case From The Days Of Grunge
10:14AM ON
07/07/2008
BY
Eric Smith
From AS220: “The rousing and heartbreaking story of Seattle band The Gits, whose promising start was cut short by the tragic murder of spirited lead singer Mia Zapata. Rumored to have been descended from Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, the incredibly magnetic frontwoman had a powerful, soulful voice that belied her inherent shyness and distinguished The Gits from other punk bands of that day. This riveting documentary is part musical history and part murder mystery, brimming with rare performance footage dating from their Antioch College days through their subsequent move to Seattle just before the world’s ears suddenly tuned into the emerging northwest music scene. The Gits would become an integral and influential part of the milieu if largely unsung in comparison to fellow Seattle bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden. But just as they were about to make it big, the band was dealt a mighty blow with the sudden, violent loss of their friend and band member whose lyrics eerily foreshadowed events to come.
Mia’s murder became a rallying point for Seattle music scene, as the investigation ripped through the community with devastating results, leaving many female musicians feeling momentarily disempowered before turning their insecurity into anger and into a statement that would resonate with women the world over. A celebration of Mia’s life as well as a comprehensive testament to the band’s greatness as a whole. The film’s interviews reflect the enormous respect and love Mia’s peers had for her, and also the sadness over her absence that still haunts them today. “Documentary specialist Kerri O’Kane details the rise of promising Seattle-based punk outfit The Gits, bringing their story to the screen for the benefit of Gits fans and anti-violence activists alike.” - The New York Times “The Gits is a stirring portrait of one of the great, largely unknown voices in music and how her loss is still felt to this day. The Gits is a treasure trove.” - Film Threat Magazine “This beats with more heart and terrific music than 99.9% of what comes from Hollywood these days. From Kerri O’Kane’s direction to the music, everything works. ” - Ain’t it Cool News “O’Kane deftly navigates the tension that arises between the end of a career and the loss of a human being.” - The Austin Chronicle The Gits official web site
AS220, 9pm, Free!
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