The band Fugazi is documented over a period of more than ten years (1987-1998) through performance footage and interviews with the band and their fans. Director Jem Cohen's relationship with band member Ian MacKaye extends back to the 1970s when the two met in high school in Washington, D.C.. The film takes its title from the Fugazi song of the same name, from their 1993 album, In on the Kill Taker. Editing of the film was done by both Cohen and the members of the band over the course of five years. It was shot from 1987 through 1998 on super 8, 16mm and video and is composed mainly of footage of concerts, interviews with the band members, practices, tours and time spent in the studio recording their 1995 album, Red Medicine. The film also includes portraits of fans as well as interviews with them at various Fugazi shows around the United States throughout the years.
Directed by Jem Cohen
concert
rock 'n' roll
rock star
independence
musical
punk rock
punk band
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Letterboxd
4.1 / 5
Where to Watch
Cast
Ian MacKaye
Self
Joe Lally
Self
Guy Picciotto
Self
Crew
Jem Cohen
Director
Joe Lally
Original Music Composer
Ian MacKaye
Original Music Composer
Guy Picciotto
Original Music Composer
Jem Cohen
Editor
Jem Cohen
Director of Photography
Popular Reviews
17 reviews
polina
8.0★ · 09/10/25
I have a deep affection for this band. could write an essay about how much Fugazi influenced both the punk and emo movements. at the same time, they are so difficult to categorize. incredibly unadulterated and complex approach to music. I still adore them, as I did when my taste in music was still growing, but now I appreciate them even more and can see why they’re so special to me.> speaking about the documentary, I like how much focus is placed on capturing the band's atmosphere and viewpoints, which is far more significant to Jem Cohen than merely recounting their story. the audience is given a lot of attention. I enjoyed looking at the faces of people who attended Fugazi concerts nearly thirty years ago and hearing their opinions about their music, some of which I can relate to and others of which I obviously can't. I want to believe that music still holds great significance in their lives.> and I was very touched by Guy Picciotto’s performances in it. his raw vocals and unfathomable stage intensity are exceptional. I've watched him perform ‘forensic scene’ here over five times. the 'glue man' one is also killing me.
I have a deep affection for this band. could write an essay about how much Fugazi influenced both the punk and emo movements. at the same time, they are so difficult to categorize. incredibly unadulterated and complex approach to music. I still adore them, as I did when my taste in music was still growing, but now I appreciate them even more and can see why they’re so special to me.> speaking about the documentary, I like how much focus is placed on capturing the band's atmosphere and viewpoints, which is far more significant to Jem Cohen than merely recounting their story. the audience is given a lot of attention. I enjoyed looking at the faces of people who attended Fugazi concerts nearly thirty years ago and hearing their opinions about their music, some of which I can relate to and others of which I obviously can't. I want to believe that music still holds great significance in their lives.> and I was very touched by Guy Picciotto’s performances in it. his raw vocals and unfathomable stage intensity are exceptional. I've watched him perform ‘forensic scene’ here over five times. the 'glue man' one is also killing me.
Engar
8.5★ · 06/29/25
Ice cream eating motherfucker
Ice cream eating motherfucker
marisa
9.6★ · 05/31/25
crazy ass white boys. i ♥︎ fugazi 4ever nd ever
crazy ass white boys. i ♥︎ fugazi 4ever nd ever
Oli Shillington
9.6★ · 05/08/25
Guy Picciotto coolest guy ever maybe?
Guy Picciotto coolest guy ever maybe?
Max
7.0★ · 04/27/24
this band SO much more than just 'i'm so tired' and 'Waiting Room'
this band SO much more than just 'i'm so tired' and 'Waiting Room'