East Block Rock: How Rock'n'Roll Brought Down the Wall

PROJECT SUMMARY:
East Block Rock tells the story of the underground revolution scored by rock’s rallying cry for freedom, from the 1950’s until the fall of the Berlin Wall, and ultimately, of the Soviet Union in the early 1990’s. It is the history of a revolution, inspired by art, told by its participants: the fans, the musicians, politicians, historians, and former Communist authority figures.

East Block Rock reveals how the musical forces of the “decadent” West proved to be too strong for the forces of the Soviet bloc and how black markets in musical instruments, tape recordings of Western and domestic rock bands, and "secret" rock concerts were irrepressible. This film shows how rock ‘n’ roll – its spirit, its beat, and its message – became a major force in impelling the collapse of Communism.

Told from the point of view of the historical characters in the film, their stories and observations on the political climates and their personal experiences will put a human face on the movement and paint a chiaroscuro portrait both humorous and ominous. Interviews will be shot in various locations and situations, striving for a very naturalist look. The characters—especially the musicians—will be placed within their world to achieve a naturalist look and express something about who the characters are and why they are important to the story. Interview subjects include: Dr. Deena Weinstein, The Plastic People of the Universe, The Red Elvises, Lou Reed, author Timothy Ryback (Rock around the Bloc) musician an Kral, and many others.

East Bloc Rock is a compilation documentary with an estimated runtime of 90 minutes. The film will use interviews, historical footage, newly shot performance, concerts from the time period and animation to weave a visual kaleidoscope that captures the turbulence of the era and the cultural landscape along with its visual energy.