Directed by Lou Adler | USA | 87 mins
Part of our Defiant Women Series.
When a group of angry teens form a punk band, the Stains, their lack of musical ability sees them derided and blocked by the men around them. But their defiant spirit and outspoken attitude wins them a legion of fans of similarly angry teenage girls, and soon the fabulous Stains have more attention on them than they know what to do with. Starring a 15 year old Diane Lane and a 13 year old Laura Dern, this studio picture was shot like an indie and barely released by its original distributor. Picking up popularity as a cult film on the arthouse circuit and winning praise for its depiction of feminist teen rebellion, the film was marked by a constant struggle for creative control between its male director Lou Adler, and its female writer Nancy Dowd. With appearances by members of the Sex Pistols and the Clash, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains has inspired future generations of female musicians from Bikini Kill to Kate Nash.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that this screening takes place on Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory, as well as the oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play, as well as help steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.