The 20th and 21st century of the United States are marked by inequality, violence and broken promises. But the last century also speaks to the power of unity, community and real change. This short film uses archival footage to focus on several protest movements and the role of protest music during the past century (1963-2025) that have been transformative for politics and every-day life.
'Which Side Are You On?' also draws a direct connection between US politicians then and today: the opening scenes feature a 1994 town hall meeting with former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani which was interrupted by ACT UP (Aids Coalition to Unleash Power) demonstrators. Two and a half decades later, Giuliani became known as president Trump's adviser during his 2016 presidential campaign. In 2018, he joined Trump's legal team and then worked as his attorney. Later, during a federal prosecution, Giuliani was named as a co-conspirator of Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
The video’s running time is 19 minutes and 50 seconds. It was made with support by Galeria Foksal where it premiered as part of the exhibition Tiger Blood on March 21st, 2025.
(Cover image courtesy of Jim Hubbard)
