Film in the park: ‘Bad Reputation: The Joan Jett Story’

The following was submitted by the Orcas Island Film Festival.

Following Music in Park, the Orcas Island Film Festival and Orcasong Farm invites you to bring your chair and a blanket to the Eastsound Village Green and enjoy the second of a two-part series of documentary films under the stars on Sunday, Aug. 19 around 8:30 p.m. The film is free to the public.

“Bad Reputation: The Joan Jett Story,” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. It charts Jett’s rise to rock ‘n roll royalty, including the rampant sexism she and her band experienced. In addition to interviews with Jett and her frequent producer and songwriter Kenny Laguna, “Bad Reputation” also features an eclectic mix of her admirers such as Billie Joe Armstrong, Miley Cyrus, Debbie Harry, Nikki Haley, Iggy Pop, Kristen Stewart and Pete Townshend.

Jett and her close friends tell you how it really was in the burgeoning ’70s punk scene with archival footage and interviews. Even though people tried to define Jett and keep her stuck to one hit, she never compromised.

She influenced countless musicians – both her cohort of punk rockers and generations of younger bands – with her “no-bs” style. She will kick your butt, and you’ll love her all the more for it.

Orcas Island Film Festival fall dates are Oct. 4-8. Early Bird prices for festival passes are on sale now. Visit www.orcasfilmfest.com for more information.