The Punk Syndrome

2012, Jukka Kärkkäinen and JP Passi, 85 minutes, Finland

The Punk Syndrome is a documentary film about Finnish punk-rock band Pertti Kurikka’s Name Day, formed in 2009 by four developmentally disabled guys. The film follows the band’s journey from their rehearsal room to cult success. It depicts the love and hate between them, their laughter and their tears. True to the punk tradition, the band plays loudly and harshly, and their lyrics are fiercely critical, discussing poverty, housing problems, intoxicants, and attitudes towards the disabled.

Jukka Kärkkäinen was born in Kerava, Finland. He has been making documentary films since 2003. Aside from filmmaking, Jukka has also been a construction worker. He is a co-founder of the production company Mouka Filmi.

JP Passi has worked as a cinematographer since 2000. He also directs and works as a scriptwriter. Passi has worked with Kärkkäinen since the establishment of Mouka Filmi.

The Punk Syndrome is a compelling and often brutally direct documentary that confronts attitudes towards mental disability through an inspiring group of punk rockers.