PERSECUTION BLUES: THE BATTLE FOR THE TOTE

Punk, passion, politics and public protest collide, in this documentary depicting the fight to save rock and roll in Melbourne.

In 2010, the iconic Tote Hotel – last bastion of Melbourne’s vibrant music counterculture – was forced to close by unfair laws. Filmed over 7 years, “Persecution Blues” depicts the struggle of more than 20,000 fans – and the bands who inspire them – to preserve their history and protect their future, and puts the audience on the front line of an epic-scale culture war.

★★★★ “Raw, and at times emotional…Rockin’. ” – EMPIRE

“Persecution Blues: The Battle for the Tote not only lovingly documents a piece of Melbourne nearly lost; it morphs into a rousing illustration of how ordinary people can fight unjust, ill-founded laws and win.”- artsHub

“Impassioned and revealing, this ends up a stirring affirmation of live music and community spirit.” – FILM INK

Trailer

Directed by Natalie van den Dungen
Produced by Nicole Rogers & Natalie van den Dungen

DVD Release