In the years before Ronald Reagan took office, Manhattan was in ruins. But true art has never come from comfort, and it was precisely those dire circumstances that inspired artists like Jim Jarmusch, Lizzy Borden, and Amos Poe to produce some of their best works. Taking their cues from punk rock and new wave music, these young maverick filmmakers confronted viewers with a stark reality that stood in powerful contrast to the escapist product being churned out by Hollywood.

Amos Poe
as Self

Ann Magnuson
as Self

Becky Johnston
as Self

Bette Gordon
as Self

Beth B
as Self

Casandra Stark
as Self

Charlie Ahearn
as Self

Daze
as Self

Debbie Harry
as Self

Eric Mitchell
as Self