Persecution Blues: The Battle for the Tote

Punk, passion, politics and public protest collide in PERSECUTION BLUES: THE BATTLE FOR THE TOTE, an exploration of the rich musical history of Melbourne and the overwhelming public outcry ignited by news of the imminent closure of one of its most renowned and beloved rock and roll venues. In 2010, the iconic Tote Hotel - last bastion of Melbournes vibrant music counterculture - was forced to close due to rigorous liquor licensing laws. Filmed over 7 years, PERSECUTION BLUES: THE BATTLE FOR THE TOTE puts the audience on the front line of an epic-scale culture war, depicting the plight of more than 20,000 punters - along with the bands who inspire them - as they strive to preserve their history and protect the future of live music. Directed by music video and documentary filmmaker Natalie van den Dungen and produced by television and documentary maker Nicole Rogers, PERSECUTION BLUES: THE BATTLE FOR THE TOTE is a 57-minute TV documentary, produced in association with The Australian Broadcasting Association and financed with the assistance of Screen Australia and Madman Entertainment. PERSECUTION BLUES: THE BATTLE FOR THE TOTE broadcast on ABC Television in January 2012, and was released by Madman on DVD in Australia and New Zealand.