
Persecution Blues: the Battle for the Tote! 2011
"Punk, passion, politics and public protest collide, in this documentary depicting the fight to save rock and roll in Melbourne."
Dive into the raw energy of Melbourne's underground music scene with *Persecution Blues: the Battle for the Tote! (2011)*, a gripping documentary directed by Natalie van den Dungen.
Director: Natalie van den Dungen
Cast

Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Persecution Blues: the Battle for the Tote! (2011)* about?
This documentary chronicles the grassroots movement to save Melbourne's iconic Tote Hotel from closure due to unjust laws. Through archival footage and firsthand accounts, it explores the passion of fans and bands who refused to let a cultural hub disappear without a fight.
Who directed *Persecution Blues: the Battle for the Tote!?
Natalie van den Dungen helmed this documentary, capturing the raw spirit of Melbourne's music scene with a filmmaker's eye for rebellion and resilience.
Who stars in *Persecution Blues: the Battle for the Tote!?
The film features Bruce Milne, Amanda Palmer, James Young, Eddy Current Supression Ring, Powder Monkeys, and the Spazzys, among others in this community-driven movement.
Is *Persecution Blues: the Battle for the Tote! (2011)* worth watching?
For fans of documentaries and punk culture, this film offers a gripping, firsthand look at a historic battle. While IMDb hasn't rated it, its themes of resistance and authenticity make it a compelling watch for those who love music and social justice.
How long is *Persecution Blues: the Battle for the Tote!?
The film runs for 57 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Persecution Blues: the Battle for the Tote! (2011) — The Documentary That Saved a Punk Landmark
Dive into the raw energy of Melbourne's underground music scene with *Persecution Blues: the Battle for the Tote! (2011)*, a gripping documentary directed by Natalie van den Dungen. This 57-minute film captures the heart of a seven-year battle to save the legendary Tote Hotel, a cultural landmark threatened by oppressive regulations. Follow over 20,000 passionate fans and trailblazing bands like Eddy Current Supression Ring and Amanda Palmer as they rally against injustice, blending punk rock rebellion with political activism. The atmosphere crackles with urgency and camaraderie, mirroring the fiery spirit of live music itself.
More than just a music doc, this film paints a vivid portrait of a community fighting to preserve its identity. Through intimate interviews and electrifying concert footage, it exposes the clash between creativity and bureaucracy, where every note played feels like a defiant act of resistance. Audiences are transported to the front lines of a culture war that's as much about art as it is about survival.