Watch Liberation Day

Liberation Day is a 2016 documentary film that follows the journey of Slovenian avant-garde music group Laibach as they become the first Western band to perform in North Korea. The film chronicles the band's preparations for the concert and their experiences while in North Korea, including their interactions with government officials, the local people, and the country's strict censorship laws.

The film begins with Laibach's involvement in the planning of the concert, which was initiated by North Korean officials after they saw a video of the band's performance in Macedonia. The band , who are known for their political commentary and controversial performances, were initially hesitant about accepting the invitation, but ultimately saw it as an opportunity to bridge the gap between two vastly different cultures.

As they prepare for the concert, the band faces numerous challenges, including the language barrier and cultural differences. They work closely with North Korean officials to ensure that their performance meets the country's strict censorship laws, which include restrictions on the use of certain words and imagery.

Once in North Korea, the band are struck by the country's stark contrast to their own lives in Europe. They are confined to their hotel and must be accompanied by government officials at all times. However, they are also given the opportunity to explore the city and interact with some of the local people, which provides them with a unique perspective on life in North Korea.

The film includes footage of Laibach's historic performance, which takes place in front of a packed audience at the Ponghwa Art Theater in Pyongyang. The band performs a selection of their songs, including some that were reworked to meet the country's censorship regulations. The concert is a success, with the audience giving the band a standing ovation and several encores.

Throughout the film, the audience is given a glimpse into the complex political and cultural dynamics at play in North Korea, as well as the impact of music on society. The band express their belief in the power of art to transcend political and cultural boundaries and to bring people together, even in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Liberation Day is a thought-provoking and insightful documentary that offers a unique perspective on life in North Korea as well as the power of music to break down barriers. The film is a testament to the bravery and creativity of Laibach, who took a risk to perform in a country where few outsiders are welcomed, and ultimately succeeded in building a bridge between two vastly different cultures.