Fan Casting Skrewdriver: The Sound of Hate

Set against the backdrop of post-punk Britain, "Skrewdriver: The Sound of Hate" tells the gripping, true-life story of Ian Stuart Donaldson, the charismatic yet deeply divisive figure behind the band Skrewdriver. Initially celebrated for his raw musical talent, Donaldson’s music would later become synonymous with a toxic ideology. His transformation from punk prodigy to the face of a neo-Nazi movement is a tragic reflection of the socio-political tensions of the era. Through the film, audiences will see Donaldson’s complex character unfold: a man driven by a mix of frustration with the system, a desire for belonging, and an unrelenting sense of personal defiance. We witness his rise as a punk icon whose music spoke to disaffected youth, only to be tainted by his growing involvement with the far-right, culminating in the formation of the Blood & Honour network. His path to fame through “white power” concerts and the creation of a subculture based on hate and division is both fascinating and horrifying, showing the dangers of manipulation and radicalization. In an intimate and unflinching portrait, the film explores how Donaldson's personal demons and desire for influence intersect with a political movement that thrived on the fringes of society. With Skrewdriver’s music serving as both a backdrop and a tool for his message, the film delves deep into the psychological and emotional forces that drove Donaldson and his followers to embrace violence and extremism.