Slam dancing emerged from the heart of the radical punk rock musical revolution stating in the late 1970s. The music was fast, aggressive, and filled with a primal energy that drove that drove kids out of their seats and into motion. Over time the movement branched out and grew in scope and the phenomenon we now call moshing has become an inseparable part of the cultural identities of various forms of punk, hardcore, metal, and ska music.

INTO THE PIT is a documentary that traces the roots of this aggressive dance that serves as the backdrop of these often misunderstood youth subcultures. The film shows the history, evolution, ethics, and motives of these aggressive dancers and is told by the bands who helped shape the culture, and the people who can’t imagine a life without it. Are mosh pits simply, as many people believe, an outlet for senseless violence? Or can they serve a more positive role as a catharsis for youth aggression?

With additional commentary from authors, filmmakers and sociologists, INTO THE PIT seeks to bring out the meaning behind the chaotic movements of a dance and culture that has thrived for over 30 years, and shows no signs of fading away.

What makes this project different

INTO THE PIT is an independently funded and produced feature-length documentary about slam dancing, and the merits and problems associated with the phenomenon. The film features interviews from bands such as T.S.O.L., Murphys Law, Ten Yard Fight, Less Than Jake, Madball, Exodus, Cro-Mags and Suffocation plus many more, as well as in-depth interviews with several people whose lives have been deeply touched by the music. Shot in high definition video, INTO THE PIT features intense scenes from shows all over the United States in time periods spanning from the late 70s to the current day. The film explores such themes such as violence, rebellion, commercialism and community building from both sides of the stage as well as academics, authors and fans.