Punishment Park (1971)

This pseudo-documentary is set in a dystopian America of the near future. When the president declares a state of emergency with his own hands, this gives the authorities the power to lock up anyone they see as a “threat to national security”.

As the prisons fill up, the ‘Bear Mountain Punishment Park’ is opened as an alternative – a secluded detention camp in the heat of the Californian desert. Through the lens of a European documentary team, we follow how a group of young anti-war activists are locked up and hunted in the park.

Punishment Park is a penetrating reflection on violence and authoritarian use of power in the United States. This theme from this fictional narrative feels frighteningly close today – a warning of a future that seems to be becoming more and more reality.

The people at de Uitkijk have kindly offered a limited amount of free tickets for Subbacultcha members. Please make a reservation by sending an email to mailinglist@subbacultcha.nl with “Punishment Park” in the subject line + your name in the email.” in the subject line + your name in the email.