Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliché | Official Trailer | Available to Watch 5 March

Directed by Paul Sng and Celeste Bell
Documentary | English | 89 min
Poly Styrene was the first woman of colour in the UK to front a successful rock band. She introduced the world to a new sound of rebellion, using her unconventional voice to sing about identity, consumerism, postmodernism, and everything she saw unfolding in late 1970s Britain, with a rare prescience. As the frontwoman of X-Ray Spex, the Anglo-Somali punk musician was also a key inspiration for the riot grrrl and Afropunk movements.
Featuring unseen archive material and rare diary entries narrated by Oscar-nominee Ruth Negga, this documentary follows Celeste as she examines her mother’s unopened artistic archive and traverses three continents to better understand Poly the icon and Poly the mother.
ON RELEASE ACROSS UK/IRELAND MARCH 5
PRE-ORDERS AVAILABLE NOW
modernfilms.com/polystyrene
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[@sapphicfilmnerd]

I don't have many heroes, but Poly is a hero of mine.

[@liquidninja6654]

Same here. There was something so pure about her.

[@lejlatiric7037]

Same!

[@GeorgeOryang]

I love her energy, her choice of words, her strength. May She Live On! ✊🏿

[@TheGiggadude]

One of the most essential artist to come out of the punk era.

[@TheHilikus89]

It’s mad how brave and courageous people were back then

[@Carz6]

Nothing has changed. You can be brave. Just try.

[@lejlatiric7037]

True!!

[@NovemberXXVII]

People are still brave and outspoken like that, it's just very difficult to pick them out of a crowd because there tends to be hella shade and propaganda thrown against them while they're actually active. Once they're done being outspoken, or dead, or somehow otherwise no longer a threat to the system...then we start acknowledging them as courageous.

[@mczrthebeatseeker]

You got that right sister 🇲🇽mCzr🇺🇸

[@heathcornbeef]

Back in the 80s here in Aotearoa new zealand having a Mohawk/spikes was like having a neon sign above your head telling everyone to attack you 14/15 year's old and get a car full of adults pull over beat the CRAP out of us and drive away laughing like tough guys this used to happen to US alot. BUT FUCK THEM I'M 52 YEARS OLD AND STILL GOT MY MOHAWK AND PUNK TILL DEATH

[@trefwoordpunk2225]

I thought that was Poly talking at the beginning, her daughter is a right chip off the old block!

[@lavieenrose5954]

I thought so too...,,,,wow she really does sound like her mum (I didn’t know Poly had a daughter ) IDENTITEEE!!!!! 🖤🖤

[@TheRealCaptainFreedom]

That’s Ruth Negga my nigga.

[@douglaspatrick868]

Poly was SUCH an incredibly unique, powerful, and inspiring performer...she's absolutely irreplaceable! I remember how completely blown away I was upon my first exposure to her as an artist and performer, and the awe has only grown over the many intervening years, I'm an old fart now and have seen a lot of this cold cold world. None of that changes the tears that come streaming down my face every single time I watch or listen to her. Her voice, amazing presence as a performer, and absolutely undeniable conviction pull them out of me, every. single. time. She is still so very missed! ❤

[@wordscontrolminds]

🙏❤️🙏

[@wordscontrolminds]

Same here- saw them on the Live at the Roxy tour in Belle Vue Park Manchester (1977) and they WERE the stand out act. Was also while Laura Logic was still on sax- Poly and Laura - what a dynamic!! Sadly missed- the world needs Poly Styrene!

[@ermfine2]

@@wordscontrolminds Do we ever need her voice! I wear her tee shirt & I’m 59!!!

[@skriptico]

man you're getting me emotional :,)

[@wimbledan]

Poly was a one off. There has and never will be anyone that can come close to her. Her daughter has done her proud in making this movie.

[@VeronicasMidget]

UP THE DONS!!!

[@wimbledan]

@@VeronicasMidget 👍👍👍👍👍

[@SKYSAW59]

Her lyrics were, and still are, absolutely astonishing!

[@Ana-pl4fp]

I just started crying. I love Poly so much.

[@megabaneen8057]

So happy you got it done. Poly is a Powerhouse.. Short time with us. She made such an impact that people talk about her today. Thats how much of a influence she was and still is today that people are talking about her in 2024. I found out about her several years ago well maybe in 5-10 years ago now. in interview with Johnny Rotten (Lydon) he mentioned Poly Styrene. Then I looked her up and found her music and what she stood for. Then in another interview this year her name came up in conversation. Simply amazing the impact that this woman had on cultures around the world.. Thanks for making this much needed documentary her spirit / legacy lives on!!

[@WeRNthisToGetHer]

Polly Styrene is my spirit animal. I love her so much.

[@oluapampa5075]

Watched the documentary on SKY Arts the other night. Essential viewing. I first heard about her ten years ago when she passed away. A totally unique and original artist.

[@VanielDeeform]

Damn I missed it. Sky Arts has been putting on some excellent documentaries recently. Do they do repeats much or have a catch up channel at all?

[@oluapampa5075]

@@VanielDeeform It was on last month. So, it should still be there to download and watch.

[@VanielDeeform]

Olu Apampa Oh thanks. Sky Arts is new to me. I'll figure out how to do that thanks.

[@left4deadlover123]

My mum shown me X-Ray Spex when i was 10 and they're still with me today 12 years later one of my all time favourite bands xxx so excited to see this, even though they were fairly recognised at one point, Poly + spex arent nearly magnified enough like other groups (like clash/damned/pistols)

[@heathcornbeef]

I agree with you but the CLASH deserves every accolade they get I'm not biased ....lol my 15 year old son is called Strummer clash Palace

[@paulinemercer538]

Poly was way ahead of head of her time I loved her music and her lyrics God bless I’m glad I was hear to live and enjoy the good times 👍👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@kidsister316]

"Germ Free Adolescent" !! one of my alltime favorte punk songs!! XRay Spex!!

[@MatameVideos]

Dude, that's my favorite album of the classical punk era!

[@jasonnewby]

so where can those of us across the pond see this??

[@verdeboyo]

She was decades ahead of her time! Hope I can watch the docu

[@danielscissorhands]

I just finished watching this documentary. It's good and its sad. May she rest in peace.

[@misfit2022]

X Ray Spex - excellent and Rudi Thompson sax helped make their unique sound

[@GreenManalishiUSA]

Yes! That saxophone part at the intro to Oh Bondage Up Yours is as iconic as James Williamson's guitar lead in the beginning of Iggy and the Stooges' Search and Destroy: a fanfare to a glorious mess of noise that is about to come charging out of the speakers. One of the greatest moments in music history.

[@misfit2022]

@@GreenManalishiUSA Completely agree

[@OiSam-ir9me]

She and the x Ray spex were my favorite band of that era, I grew up later in the 90s-00's but I was always playing them to the point that now whenever I hear them it reminds me of some of the best times of my life. I was devastated when she passed as I was dying to see her live when she came back briefly.

[@mick_c_horror_and_pop_culture]

Fantastic singer and beautiful. R.I.P., Poly Styrene(Marianne Joan Elliott-Said)

[@StephenDBurge-in5qi]

40yrs ahead of time rip 🌹

[@deadredeyes]

So no way to be able to see this outside the UK / Ireland? That is a real damn shame, because Poly is a global icon. Let's hope for better distribution.

[@Carz6]

There is always a way, legal or not, to get UK content in the States. Otherwise punk never would have come to the USA to begin with.

[@Aster_Risk]

@@Carz6 True. I like to try and support artists if I can, so a legitimate way to buy or rent would be nice.

[@mjwbulich]

@@Carz6 Punk rock is from the US. The UK has never birthed a genre of music. They absorb and expand upon them in wonderful ways but they always come from elsewhere.

[@katieanna7587]

@@mjwbulich clueless

[@olwen1915]

​@@mjwbulich What facts inform the opinion that US birthed punk rock? Do you have any idea of the history of punk in Britain?

[@guccistreams]

Been waiting for this one! Only learned about X-Ray Spex this year but Poly is a LEGEND!

[@marysquires3561]

An absolute original.

[@devillehall6171]

The first Punk record I bought was Germfree Adolescence the day after X-Ray Spex were on TOTPs .All my friends took the piss but I was smitten ,still am. I loved the Pistols but I totally got what Poly Styrene was about . All my old mates were Punks but X Ray Spex were never an important band to them ,not to girls then either ......they were a one off .More like an Art band ......but tongue in cheek ❤️

[@thomastirrell5869]

just found this movie online. will be watching it later. Poly Styrene was a gift from the cosmos

[@jocksilver7]

She was thaaaat faraway from a cliché, Poly., and the band too. Only heard them around mid to late 78, maybe the faded Roxy hometape, but then Germ Free Adolescents hit hard on National Fm, actually i think she inspired great part of the diminutive middle-class punk scene in Portugal in those days.

[@LiteratureTodayUK]

I also have to add after watching all of the documentary that is it not only extremely well thought-through, even haunting, but it is also incredily moving.

[@BlackShogun1]

I love her bravery and I bought her documentary, she will live on forever. Peace love and respect to her friends and family

[@TECHNOIR]

There are very, very, very few special people alive or dead, who are, or were quantifiably special, she was this - it's quite awful and palsied to squat her in the 'icon' 'legend' bracket of nonsense/noise. To me + understanding that my opinion does not count for aught, she was a great and brilliant person and performer - what remains frightening is that she was who she was and wonderful at one peak, at the age of less than or around 19 years old. Great woman, love her - hope this documentary recognises it.

[@d.b.2812]

She is deeply missed and my heart is heavy and sad.

[@jasonblitz7454]

I can't wait to see this documentary from her daughter, it looks so well done!

[@IPHistory-]

I watched the Punk Singer and now I'll check this out

[@patsguttersock]

Watch Afro-Punk too !!!! Its a 2003 doc

[@tf-zy9fs]

She was the best her lyrics were fantastic and music was in a league of its own .so sad shes not with us she was so talented.

[@martinjones8216]

She was a great lyricist for her age

[@mamamaryloveyou]

an icon of punk rock, a great person and a great woman

[@tashathayer4069]

I just caught part of the movie & Wish there was CC available. And I'm sorry about your mom.... Peace

[@LiteratureTodayUK]

Late 1978, Cornwall: I really, really thought Poly Styrene was so cutting edge as a teenager; I even felt slightly dangerous just picking up her first album and looking through the pictures and lyrics. And who can forget the braces which were a sort of "F you"! to the hegemony of pretty/sexy/desirable type women that ruled indisputably back then. I had the mandatory huge crush on Debbie Harry back then but it was Poly Styrene that really gave the world something to think about. The documentary is excellent; her daughter Celeste has a beautiful speaking voice by the way.

[@carlscott4180]

Nicely put. Looking forward to seeing this. You and others here might like my recent reflections on the relevance of a few her songs to the CV-19 era, Carl's Rock Songbook, No. 125: X-Ray Spex.

[@kimfrederick4476]

Those braces might have been the pavers to modern day "Grills" LOL

[@Goatchild90]

Oh Bondage! Up Yours is a classic and one of my favourite songs of all time

[@mattconrad5150]

I wish we could rent this in the U.S.

[@hughbetcha436]

Maybe it will eventually make it to Amazon prime

[@XNyanko]

I feel like I seriously need to learn about this lady....like, she sounds like someone who is super fascinating...

[@IndraBahiaMusic]

🤩🤩🤩

[@tudormiller8898]

Love her music. She was so amazing doing what she did in that era. WOW!

[@hatednyc]

Oh wow. I'm impressed. I got goose bumps. Very excited to see this.

[@ashtonkatt]

Much anticipation!

[@timothyschroyer2939]

I can't wait to see this. Poly was amazing.

[@mac1975]

Miss you Poll x

[@tabithaciccone]

Brilliant documentary of a brilliant woman. Such an icon.

[@noaht3087]

This looks real good! X-ray Spex layed the groundwork for so many future groups. Can't wait to check out the full documentary!

[@a.a.1696]

I need this. Thank you.

[@uwu-fm2kj]

One of the most interesting figures of punk. And one of the most unique.

[@anthonyotoole867]

Watched the film on sky arts tonite well done to the people who put this together.

[@sondradupree8709]

I only discovered Poly has died . God luv her heart.

[@ThePunkmar77]

This makes me think of my own kids.. really looking forward to this.

[@martinwedge7732]

Utterly unique and irreplaceable x

[@johnsmith-xr1uh]

Amazing voice

[@fuckbankers]

She was amazing.

[@susanburgess820]

Loved the band💖💖💖

[@danieldavis9682]

ugh. brilliant

[@sashak7265]

Beautiful poly love xray spex great band

[@dambrooks7578]

I only wish the RIO in Dalston could open up to show this film, I am a life long fan of both X-Ray Spex and Marianne Joan Elliott-Said (Poly Styrene) for their uncompromising honesty. I just want to support this film as much as is possible.

[@illaveyoubutler3588]

It is on Sky Arts on Saturday night at 9’0 clock

[@dambrooks7578]

@@illaveyoubutler3588 cheers for the heads up!

[@scottishsimon67]

I supported it so I'm looking forward to seeing my name in the credits!!

[@DAYGLOUKNOUKNO]

GERM FREE.......ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS EVER...PEOPLE SAY ITS ONE OF THE BEST PUNK ALBUMS EVER....BUT THIS ALBUM IS BETTER THAN 'PUNK'.....(Dont get me wrong PUNK was mega!!) POLY WROTE SONGS OF 'CONCERN'....READ THE LYRICS........BARELY A KID WITH THE BRAIN OF A 40 YEAR OLD AND THEN SOME........THE DAY I FINISHED MY LAST EXAM IN SECONDARY SCHOOL....I MOVED INTO MY OWN BEDROOM IN THE HOUSE....AND BROUGHT THE X RAY SPEX ALBUM......Got a better EDUCATION in 40 MINS !!!! ......SHE LOOK GREAT!!!!! ETHNIC....(WOW!) AND HER ARTWORK IS PURE CLASS..............HOW MANY OTHER POP STARS....PUNK STARS...ARE THE WHOLE PACKAGE.....SELF TAUGHT....EXACTLY!!!! I WILL LOVE U FOREVER AND A DAY ! xxxx

[@toomuchinformation]

Ian Duty and Curtis have had feature films made about them. Why not Poly Styrene? It'd be a great story to tell.

[@mckinleyrichard4395]

Wow, I need to see this.

[@toomuchsumo]

She's the rebel of the underground !

[@carlscott4180]

The ruler of the world! The ruler of the universe! The ruler of the supermarket!?

[@heathcornbeef]

Right there is one amazing WOMAN I LOVED POLY SINCE I WAS ABOUT 14 YEAR'S OLD 1984... STRANGELY I HAVE THE X RAY SPEX IN MY WORK VAN CD PLAYER TODAY

[@d.blackwell6417]

Wow ive heard that opening for as long as i can remember and never knew who said it. Damn. I look forward to this doc! I loved Deaths doc as well So much good stuff!

[@pauld724]

That opening song Some People Think Little Girls Should Be Seen Not Heard is classic an her voice was very unique and a great tune. I have it recorded on an old audio tape from a College Radio Station way way back. that tape was worn out it had great bands like The Sun And The Moon, Gang Of Four, Romeo Void, Clash, The Kinks all kinds of great tunes in the day. sadly tape went missing in clutter somewhere and tossed no doubt.

[@GypsyFairy85]

Oh Bondage, Up Yours! Is the song title.

[@pauld724]

@@GypsyFairy85 Yeah, thanks. I just remember recording the song and that opener. Classic. cute voice she had. raw in the day. lots of energy. wish we could stay young forever yet without all of that rebel stuff. but the rebel was the inspiration

[@lilspliffster88]

Her style voice and music blows my mind rip the goat

[@LunaMoonfae]

R I P Poly Streyne 💔

[@keith-leecastle6700]

I watched this last night....A really great, moving documentary..

[@TheKevgray1]

Where can I see it ?

[@oluapampa5075]

@@TheKevgray1 If you're in the UK, its on the SKY Arts channel.

[@sundarilamond3071]

So much respect for the realness

[@Shermar]

🖤

[@thewkovacs316]

ill have to watch this

[@LoveTruth86]

Omg I have to see this

[@markb9064]

Can't wait: Poly was my first love.

[@WendyOWilbury]

❤

[@talesfromtinpanalley-thedo6198]

Really looking forward to this

[@tudormiller8898]

Same!

[@spikeytop8982]

The Daughter looks very like her Mum. Looking forward to seeing this.

[@sturdeehouse]

What cos she looks like her Mum?

[@wordscontrolminds]

In a world of Kardashians - BE POLY STYRENE!!

[@chillseekr]

Only thing better is to not even acknowledge them in the first place!

[@birdy1numnum]

*The Kardashians ARE plastic bags!*

[@wordscontrolminds]

@@birdy1numnum They certainly aint our beloved Poly, who knew how to use irony! xx

[@LuStevens]

💪🏽

[@mochynddu723]

🎶💜🎶

[@mickbrownartist3788]

Just go for it......

[@aestheticbubbles5894]

are there ways to see this in the US? I love Poly, I'd kill to see this.

[@gahayrabdu8493]

I just found out that her father was Somali , and the most somali community in don't know that!!

[@julietorres446]

Uma nova geração Traga a transformação Possibilidades infinitas que conhecemos... Marianne Joan Elliott-Said, muito obrigada por tudo.

[@joesphschramm3754]

When will this be available? In US?

[@tuskedbeast]

OK, re: the film's official website, showing at 2021 SXSW Music Festival, which is underway now March 16-20. I cannot find it on their (stupid, hard to search) website. Anyone find it?

[@snakewhitcher4189]

There's no crying in punk rock. Spitting how we express sadness (and everything else).

[@snakewhitcher4189]

Answer this question. Why you do us all a favor and...

[@thomaifilm]

Where can we watch the entire doc?

[@musicaltproductions]

Where can I watch this? I live in America.

[@susanburgess820]

I was a punk too.

[@victorray2011]

I want to watch it. Disappointed to hear Jonathan Ross's voice in the trailer.

[@dumfriesspearhead7398]

He's not in it much. In fact what you heard in the trailer is the extent of it. He's in the trailer for marketing purposes. Just watched it on Now TV.

[@victorray2011]

@@dumfriesspearhead7398 Glad to hear that. Ross was mildly amusing 35 years ago, now he just grates on me.

[@georginaburton6682]

Where can I watch this

[@redfox5336]

when is this coming to America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stevenedwardmaylott6078]

Can’t say I’m a particular fan of punk. And I’ve never really heard of this singer before I’ve just come across this video by chance but I can’t help but feel a bit drawn to her story.

[@moth3rh3roin]

Love how I get an ad for polyeuuthrane gorilla glue after watching this lmfao

[@snakewhitcher4189]

What do you mean "Nobody was singing about what she was singing about"? Punk Rock was in full swing at that point. She was good at what she did, but at no point did she invent it. People were saying all kinds of outrageous things back then. She's one of my favorite singers, but let's not get all crazy about it.

[@PVSJuicer]

It's so emotionally draining living with someone with bipolar disorder This must have been challenging for her daughter Poly Styrene ruled

[@dumfriesspearhead7398]

She was brought up by her grandmother when she was eight years old. So difficult as a child, but she was estranged from her mother for a number of years.