Marfa Film Festival 2009

This documentary masterpiece from 1979 chronicles the lives of two South Bronx street gangs, The Savage Nomads and The Savage Skulls. Directed by Gary Weis (The Rutles, Saturday Day Night Live) and beautifully photographed by Joan Churchill (Punishment Park, Gimme Shelter), the film follows the gang members, community activists, and the cops who chase them through the mean streets of Fort Apache, the South Bronx. Produced by Lorne Michaels and based on an Esquire article by Jon Bradshaw, the film is a poignant slice of life in the toughest ghetto in the US, and filled with a remarkable amount of levity. This screening will be the World Premiere of the newly restored master of the film, which has not seen the light of day since its completion in 1980. The director Gary Weis will be at the screening for a Q & A following the film. Note: While this film is not rated, it contains language that is is explicit, harsh and vulgar, and may be considered shocking and offensive. It is not recommended for children. Program curated by David Hollander. Special thanks to Broadway Video and Traffic Entertainment.