Documentary to be Released on Australian Punk and Hardcore in South East Asia
The first Australian punk band toured South East Asia in 1998. Over the next 10 years, only 8 others ventured into the same region.
Now, roughly 15 Aussie punk and hardcore tour South East Asia every year.
The Other Option traces the history of Australian punk and hardcore bands touring Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. From the most unlikely of trailblazers within Australia’s DIY scene, through to some of the biggest alternative acts the country has ever produced, it shares the amazing stories that until now had only been part of underground folklore.
Previous film projects conducted in the South East Asia barely scratched the surface of documenting experiences playing in the area from a 'tour diary’ perspective. But what lies beneath the exotic locations, bizarre shows, and crazy audiences?
The Other Option explores underlying reasons for the explosion of punk and hardcore bands touring the region, beyond the low-cost airlines, cheap living and online booking. Filmed across 4 countries including 5 of Australia’s 7 states, the documentary speaks to the artists and other prominent figures that made touring South East Asia a reality for bands right around the world. It includes interviews with Warsore, Pisschrist, Miles Away and Michael Crafter as well as South East Asian heavyweights Carburetor Dung and Straight Answer.
Post production is almost complete and the film is set to be released on DVD in Australia and Asia in the first half of 2015. The Other Option is written, directed and produced by Rohan Thomas (D.I.Wireless Podcast).