Rise Above: The Tribe 8 Documentary is a feature film directed and produced by Tracy Flannigan that documents the all women queercore punk band Tribe 8.
The film chronicles live performances, candid moments of their lives at work and on the road, and the controversy at the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, an all women's music festival, that landed them in a quagmire of protest and praise from a fiercely divided crowd. It also captures the truly funny and warm people behind the music and the politics.
The images presented on stage of blow jobs, sadomasochistic acts and mock castrations are not shocking the audience for shock's sake, but understood on a deeper level through the band members' intense personal disclosures. These interviews inform an understanding and respect for why they do what they do. Especially insightful are the interviews with singer Lynn Breedlove and her mother. This documentary concludes that it is the humor and physicality that lies within the controversial performance that gives these five individuals the peace to experience the rapture of being alive.
“A suitably raw, wholly engaging documentary….offers a unique perspective on the lesbian community’s own shift …to a more encompassing embrace of rebellious fringe elements….tech package is solid while adhering to anti-slick punk aesthetic..." -Dennis Harvey, VARIETY
“their lyrics are confrontational and political, but also cathartic….exudes the sheer exhilaration of individuals who have learned how to live liberated, fulfilling lives.” -Kevin Thomas, LA Times
“Filmmaker Tracy Flannigan gets it all in close-up, but also captures the rich and complex life stories of these women, whose lives take on political weight based on sheer authenticity…” -Chuck Wilson, LA Weekly
The film has won many awards, including 'Best Documentary' at Frameline, San Francisco's Film Festival, 'Audience Award' at the Hamburg Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and the award for "Outstanding Emerging Talent' at OUTfest, the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.
Cast
Tribe 8 Band Members:
- Lynn Breedlove, Lead Singer
- Silas Flipper Howard, Guitar
- Leslie Mah, Guitar
- Tantrum, Bass Player
- Slade, Drums
- Mama T., Bass Player
- Jen Schwartz, Drums
Credits
Director and Producer: Tracy Flannigan
Producers: Lilith Simcox Marupong Chuladul