On Wednesday, August 20th, join us as we welcome writer/director Allan Moyle and producer Sandy Stern to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of writer-director Allan Moyle’s Pump Up the Volume, a fiery snapshot of early 90’s rebellion that’s endured as a cult classic, as well as a rallying cry for freedom of expression and speaking truth to power.

Christian Slater stars as Mark Hunter, a shy, bookish teenager who transforms into “Hard Harry” by night – an anonymous pirate radio DJ who broadcasts raw, uncensored thoughts to his audience of fellow high schoolers. As Harry’s shows begin to touch on themes of depression, authoritarianism, and hypocrisy, his rants grow bolder, enshrining him as a folk hero to his disaffected young fans – as well as a target for school administrators and the FCC. Highlighted by a sharp script, Slater’s magnetic performance, strong supporting turns by Samantha Mathis, Ellen Greene, and Annie Ross, and a popular soundtrack featuring Sonic Youth, Pixies, Concrete Blonde, and Leonard Cohen, Pump Up the Volume my be ultra-90’s in style, but its themes of censorship, alienation, identity, and the desperate need to be heard in a world that too often refuses to listen, remain sadly timeless.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Stick around after the show for a conversation with special guests Allan Moyle and Sandy Stern!

Allan Moyle is a Canadian writer and director known for his offbeat, character-driven films that often explore youth rebellion, outsider identity, and the transformative power of music. He gained cult acclaim with his sharp, politically charged 1990 teen drama Pump Up the Volume, and his vibrant 1995 ensemble piece set inside a struggling indie record store, Empire Records; both films have found a devoted following for their quirky charm, quotable dialogue, and celebration of teen individuality. Almost 50 years since his directorial debut, 1977’s The Rubber Gun, Moyle’s work remains beloved for its sincerity, countercultural spirit, and empathy for misfits on the fringes.

Sandy Stern is an accomplished film producer known for championing bold, unconventional storytelling across a wide range of genres. He rose to prominence with the 1990 cult favorite Pump Up the Volume, which established his reputation for backing visionary, risk-taking filmmakers. Over the next decade, Stern played a key role in bringing to life some of the most inventive and iconoclastic films of the era, including Todd Haynes’ 1998 glam-rock fantasia Velvet Goldmine, Spike Jonze’s 1999 mind-bender Being John Malkovich, and the subversive 2004 teen satire Saved!  Whether producing edgy dramas, surreal comedies, or heartfelt misfit tales, Stern’s work consistently foregrounds fresh voices and offbeat perspectives, making him a vital figure in the landscape of American independent cinema.