Once again, lower Manhattan was host to the annual Tribeca Film Festival. One of the films that premiered at the festival was a documentary called Let Fury Have the Hour, directed by Antonino D’ Ambrosio. D’ Ambrosio based this film off of his previously published novel, Let Fury Have the Hour- The Punk Rock Politics of Joe Strummer.

The main focus of Let Fury Have the Hour- The Punk Rock Politics of Joe Strummer is the discussion of how politics affect society and the immense power music can have. He shows how creative responses (art, lyrics, poetry, etc) can address these topics and more. He conveys that these responses serve as vehicles of constant change.  This documentary is a social commentary on what was and what is. He reflects on how music that came from Public Enemy and The Clash was able to bring together people especially during a time when President Regan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher completely stressed individualism. D’ Ambrosio had big time artists appear in his documentary. For example, Eugene Hütz from Gogol Bordello and Even Ensler author of The Vagina Monologues talked in D’ Ambrosio ‘s film and helped in supporting the voice and vision of his documentary .

Speaking at the premiere, Director D’ Ambrosio proclaimed that this film was the product of seven years of work.  D’ Ambrosio’s dedication to his craft is clearly evident. Firstly, his amazing editing helps in setting the upbeat pace for his documentary. Secondly, by placing a provocative soundtrack into the film, he allows the viewer to easily associate with the bombardment of images.

D’ Ambrosio urges his viewers to become active participants in society. He wants us to move away from being passive and materialistically driven.  He wants us to revert back to a time where music was an impetus for real and tangible change.  At the end of this documentary, you’ll feel as if you want to rise up your fist in agreement with D’ Ambrosio. His message is clear. This documentary has the power to spark a movement. “The world is worth fighting for.”