Northwest Film Forum

Portland has always been a hub for music. From Courtney Love to Pink Martini to Blind Pilot, the city has harbored and created a thriving haven for aspiring artists. Early in its musical history, the Portland punk scene saw the emergence of a magazine, the Oregon Organizm, written and edited by an influential band member of the time, James Chasse. With a close friend performing as lead singer of The Wipers—an influential punk band  that made an impact on groups like Nirvana—James became a well-known member of his society: iconic and prophetic, with a grasp on reality unlike anyone that knew him. 

In 2006, tragedy struck, when James died during a highly controversial arrest by Portland police in downtown. Following the case, many people looked into the history of James Chasse, from his early punk years to his mental illness and the effects it had on the musician and his community. This documentary follows his musical rise, decline and tribulations, along with a modern perspective on a police case increasingly relevant today. Alien Boy will entertain and educate while giving you a look at a system you might rather forget.

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