FEATURE DOCUMENTARYPoly Styrene: I Am a Cliché
(2021)
Trailer.
The death of punk icon and X-Ray Spex frontwoman Poly Styrene sends her daughter on a journey across the world and through her mother’s archives to reconcile their fraught relationship.
About
I produced this feature documentary with Rebecca Mark-Lawson and Daria Nitsche of UK-based Tyke Films. The film explores the life and motherhood of Anglo-Somali artist Poly Styrene, the first black woman in the UK to front a successful rock band, and a key architect of the riot grrrl and Afropunk movements. Featuring rare diary entries narrated by Oscar-nominee Ruth Negga, the film follows Poly’s daughter, Celeste Bell, as she examines her mother's unopened artistic archive and traverses three continents to better understand her mother as a punk rock icon and as a parent.
The film has played at festivals including Glasgow, SXSW, CPH:DOX, SFFILM, Hot Docs, and won two British Independent Film Awards including Best Documentary. The film is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and was a New York Times Critic’s Pick.
The film had its broadcast premiere in the UK on Sky, accompanied by a day-and-date release through Modern Films. In the US, Utopia released the on February 2 with over 50 event screenings nationwide. The film also has distribution in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Finland.
Contributions
Production
Executive Editing
Script / Story Consultation
Treatment Design
Financing
Sales / Distribution
Festival Submissions
Please contact me for more information, or visit the film’s website.