A Special Screening of fascinating docfilm about DEVO held at AFIFEST, with band members GERALD CASALE, MARK and ROBERT MOTHERSBAUGH in attendance

By Oliver Carnay

Following the screening of Chris Smith’s fascinating documentary about legendary new wave provocateurs “DEVO,” a Q&A was followed by the screening during AFIFEST, with director Chris Smith and subjects Mark Mothersbaugh, Gerald Casale and Robert Mothersbaugh, moderated by preservationist Peter Conheim.

The band who popularized “Whip It” in 1980 hit number 14 on the U.S. charts. Devo were part of the ‘80s pop cultural firmament even if their record label never fully understood them or if listeners sometimes missed the social critique in the lyrics. Smith presents a wealth of rare archival performance and interview footage, making DEVO a must-see not only for the band’s many fans but also any admirer of late 20th century American absurdism

Marking the 50th anniversary of DEVO, a deep restoration and remastering project of the band’s film, video and audio archives has been undertaken, with a selection presented in celebration of the documentary DEVO, was featured during AFIFEST.

Formed in the wake of the Kent State University massacre, DEVO emerged from is spud cocoon as a hydra-headed music, art and film collective whose rare early musical provocations would lead to perhaps the most subversive, whip (it)-smart pop group of the 20th century. Filmmaking and music were intertwined from the beginning, resulting in canonical short films, including IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE END: THE TRUTH ABOUT DE-EVOLUTION, SATISFACTION, THE DAY MY BABY GAVE ME A SURPRIZE and the infamous WHIP TEASE aka WHIP IT, in collaboration with co-director Chuck Statler. The program features new restorations and reconstructions, along with restored versions of music videos, such as GIRL U WANT, FREEDOM OF CHOICE and the devolved Hendrix cover, RU EXPERIENCED, restored from its original 35.mm negative. Also included is a brand-new 4K restoration of Bruce Conner’s MONGOLOID, never-before-seen 16mm footage from DEVO’s breakthrough appearance at New York City’s Max’s Kansas City, the saga of long-suffering record label boss Rod Rooter and much more.

Film and video restoration are by Peter Conheim and the Cinema Preservation Alliance, from the archives of DEVO, Inc.. MONGOLOID restoration is courtesy of the Bruce Conner Trust. Additional archival footage was provided by Daphne Shaw.