Born in Flames
New York ten years after the most peaceful revolution that the world has ever seen. The governing Socialist party is emphasising the need for unity on the slow road to reform. However, discontent is surfacing, particularly from the women's groups. Vigilante groups are formed to combat the rise in street violence and rape. The Women's Army
rally support in their protest against the loss of women's jobs. The urgent need for widespread publicity about these and other issues drive the Women's Army to approach two underground radio stations: the Black-run Radio Phoenix and the rival punk station Radio Regazza. Both are reluctant to be involved but give their support on the news of the death in FBI custody of a prominent Black member of the Women's Army.
Increased surveillance and arrests bring the fragmented women's groups together to work towards a common goal as events move towards an explosive climax. ‘Born in Flames’ attempts to show how sexual politics and, to a lesser extent class and race, can be combined when trying to effect social change. This fast-moving film looks like a cross between a documentary and science fiction. It creates a view of the future which forces us to reflect on the present.
Description Source: Cinenova Catalogue (1994). Edited by Kate Norrish. Editorial committee: Elaine Burrows, Liane Harris, Helen de Witt
