There is a line in one of the songs by Burmese folk bang Angry Folks which probably sums up best not just what their music and the short documentary is all about, but also one of the most divisive and important questions of our time: “Which side are you on?”. In a time when the question of a class society and the unjust system it imposes on many of its members has become the subject of rather dubious debates on online forums and social media, spiced with the obligatory bits and pieces of conspiracy theory and gossip, it is necessary to remember principles such as responsibility, humanity and companionship. In his feature “Angry Folks”, director Aung Htet Myet accompanies the two members of the band, Ko Kyaw Zin Linn and Ko Aung Thaung Oo, to concerts and other performances but also gets to know their philosophy behind the music.
“Angry Folks” is screening at Filmschoolfest Munich
In general, “Angry Folks” is a story about the necessity of idealism. While the more cynical may regard some of the statements by the musicians as being naive, this concept, which is also tackled in the documentary, exposes one of the key problems we experience in our world which is the lack of ideals. Considering those with power often step on issues like honesty and loyalty, the energetic imperfection of the band's performances and their lyrics express their defiant insistence on these idealistic values. Given the alternative, a bit of idealism will certainly not hurt, in fact it might just be a breath of fresh air.
However, Myet's documentary does not solely focus on the artistic side of the performers, but also how they put their ideals into practice. Their message to fight the system and oppose those treading on people's right is emphasized during their performances in front of workers who are on strike, as a means to show their support and highlight how choosing sides, the right side has become an invaluable trait in today's world.
“Angry Folks” is a documentary about the power of music in tackling social and political issue. Aung Htet Myet and the musicians present choose the right side as a means to strengthen the community of people, to fight against those injustices in the world. It is an important message and one which shines through every moment of this documentary.
