Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché

Poly Styrene was the first woman of colour in the UK to front a successful rock band, and a key architect of the riot grrrl and Afropunk movements. But the late icon didn’t just leave behind an immense cultural footprint. She was survived by a daughter, Celeste, who became the unwitting guardian of her mother’s legacy and demons. Misogyny, racism, and mental illness plagued Poly’s life, while their lasting trauma scarred the pair’s relationship. Featuring diary entries narrated by Oscar-nominee Ruth Negga, this documentary follows Celeste as she traverses three continents to better understand Poly as an icon and mother.

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photo of Paul Sng
photo of Celeste Bell

Credits

Directors:

Paul Sng, Celeste Bell

Executive Producer:

Nikki Parrot, Natasha Dack Ojumu, Jack Oliver, Mark Thomas, Richard Coram, Bruno Waser

Producer:

Rebecca Mark-Lawson, Matthew Silverman, Daria Nitsche

Screenwriter:

Celeste Bell, Zoë Howe

Cinematographer:

Nick Ward

Editor:

Xanna Ward Dixon

Sound Designer:

Raoul Brand

Music:

Marina Elderton

Principal Cast:

Ruth Negga, Kathleen Hanna , Thurston Moore , Vivienne Westwood , Pauline Black , Neneh Cherry , Jonathan Ross , Bruno Wizard , Ana Da Silva, Youth

Additional Credits:

Associate Producers: Vanessa Lobon, Colm Forde, Jill Hearst, Assistant Producer: Morven Masterton, Research & Production Assistants: Raphael Pugh, Kiran Acharya, Lara Richardson, Lowenna Merritt, Joe Morris, Voice Casting Director: Martha Stewart, Music Supervision: Celeste Bell, Edit Consultants: David Arthur, Claire Ferguson, Assistant Editor: Jennifer Souter, Foley Recordist and Mixer: Sandy Buchanan, Foley Artist: Dave Poulton, Interview Transcriptions: Victoria Millington, Andrea Hailwood

Contact

Public Film Contact:

Matthew Silverman
Tyke Films (on behalf of Rebecca Mark-Lawson)
matthewbsilverman@gmail.com
203-505-4213

Publicity Contact:

Jon Rushton
jon@jonrushton.com
07969 837 242

Primary Access
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About
Year:
2021
Premiere Status:
Screening Section:
Screening Category:
Language:
Runtime:
96 mins