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UCLA Film & Television Archive

Border Radio

Part of the American Neorealism, Part Two: 1984-2020 screening series.

Sunday, Jul. 31, 7 p.m.

Free

Border Radio

U.S., 1987

Allison Anders, Dean Lent and Kurt Voss leapt on to the scene with this stunning early feature, made while they were still grad students at UCLA. Ostensibly the tale of a punk musician (played by Chris D. of the Flesh Eaters) who hightails it to Ensenada after stealing unpaid money that was owed to him, it’s as much a loving portrait of the L.A. indie music scene at the time. Featuring stunning and gritty 16mm black-and-white cinematography by Lent, it oozes the essence of the ’80s with every sizzling grain. Excellent, often improvised performances by John Doe of X, Luanna Anders, Chris Shearer and many others contribute to this glowing record of a dynamic moment in Los Angeles history.

DCP, b&w, 87 min. Director: Allison Anders, Dean Lent, Kurt Voss. Screenwriter: Allison Anders, Dean Lent, Kurt Voss. With: Chris D, John Doe, Chris Shearer, Luanna Anders.

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