‘Disco’s Revenge’ Filmmakers Talk Nile Rodgers, Archive Troves and the Genre’s Fall and Rise

The documentary “Disco’s Revenge,” directed by Omar Majeed and Peter Mishara, delves into the rich history and enduring impact of disco music. Premiering this week at the Hot Docs Festival in Canada, the film explores the genre’s vilification and revival, using extensive archival footage and interviews with pivotal figures such as Nile Rodgers and Nicky Siano. Rodgers, a legendary musician and co-founder of Chic, and Siano, a DJ who started New York’s iconic The Gallery club, provide foundational insights into the disco scene. The film also features Billy Porter and other music luminaries, contributing diverse perspectives on the genre’s influence on music and culture.

Mishara and Majeed aimed to move beyond a simple historical narrative, focusing on the ethos and evolution of disco, its cultural significance, and how it has permeated various forms of music. They were particularly interested in the personal stories and broader social contexts, such as the underground clubs of the 1970s and the intersection of different cultures in New York. The documentary also highlights rare footage provided by Siano, capturing the vibrancy of the disco era in a way that newsreels of the time could not.

Source: Variety