punk the capital
building a sound movement
washington, D.C. | 1976-1983
A FILM BY JAMES JUNE SCHNEIDER, PAUL BISHOW, AND SAM LAVINE
Punk The Capital successfully captures the zeitgeist that changed the world.
- Film Threat
Upcoming EVENTS
November 21, 2026, Lambertville, New Jersey the Acme Screening Room! Special event with Howard Wuelfing discussing his book/anthology on two zines he produced, Descenes & Discords. Also present for Q&A, James June Schneider. After party at “John and Peters”, solo show with Geoff Turner of Grey Matter!
December 3, 2026, Washington DC, closing event for “ARE YOU READY”, Bad Brains exhibit @Lost Origins Gallery, Q&A guests… details, stay tuned!
We have done over 110 in-person q&A / screenings!
Distribution Inquiries
For all distribution inquiries, contact Punk the Capital directly via our Contact page
WATCH ONLINE
AMAZON / NIGHTFLIGHT / APPLE TV / QELLO(via ROkU) / KANOPY / SLAMDANCE CHANNEL
PLAY NOW MEDIA / MOVIEME / FLIX PREMIERE / BIBLIO+ / RELAY
DVD and Blu Ray
ORDER DVD/BLU RAY VIA DISCHORD RECORDS (a portion goes to charity)
ORDER DVD/BLU RAY VIA THIS WEBSITE
DISTRIBUTORS ORDER DVD/BLU RAY HERE
IN UK AND EUROPE: DVD / BLU RAY
… a love letter to the city’s punk scene.
- The Washington Post
When punk rock erupted in Washington DC, it was a mighty convergence of powerful music, friendships, and clear minds. This film is the first to explore the incredible challenges that this subculture faced when it took root in the Nation’s Capital in the late 1970’s. Punk the Capital situates DC punk within the larger narratives of rock n' roll, working as a powerful multi-layered story for both fans and non-fans of punk rock. Featuring musicians such as Bad Brains, Henry Rollins, and Ian MacKaye, this film dives deep into the ideas and sounds from this transformative music scene which continues to influence culturally and politically around the world.
