In a bombshell announcement that has punk rock fans buzzing worldwide, Netflix has officially confirmed the release date of its highly anticipated documentary, “Holiday in Cambodia: The Untold Story of Jello Biafra and the Dead Kennedys.” The streaming giant revealed that the film will premiere globally on April 28, 2025, offering an in-depth, no-holds-barred look into one of punk’s most politically volatile and musically influential bands.
The documentary, produced by Oscar-winning filmmaker Laura Poitras (Citizenfour), promises a raw, revealing, and at times uncomfortable journey into the rise and fracture of the Dead Kennedys. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, unreleased demo recordings, and intimate new interviews with surviving band members, industry insiders, and cultural critics, the film aims to deliver the most comprehensive look yet at the band that helped redefine punk rebellion.
Most notably, the documentary includes the first sit-down interview in over 20 years with Jello Biafra, the band’s controversial frontman, activist, and spoken word artist. Biafra opens up about the band’s early days in the San Francisco punk scene, the creation of iconic songs like “California Über Alles” and “Kill the Poor,” the infamous censorship battle in the 1980s, and the bitter split between himself and his former bandmates.
“This is not just about a band,” said Poitras in a statement. “This is about freedom of expression, corporate resistance, and the price of speaking truth to power—with a soundtrack that tore down the walls of conformity.”
In addition to Biafra’s candid reflections, the documentary features contributions from music legends like Henry Rollins, Kathleen Hanna, and Tom Morello, who credit the Dead Kennedys as major influences on their own music and activism. The film also delves into the punk band’s legacy in the post-Trump political era, where their anti-authoritarian messages seem more relevant than ever.
Early reviews from select screenings at the SXSW Film Festival have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics calling it “searing,” “unflinching,” and “essential viewing for anyone who’s ever screamed at a system.”
Netflix confirmed that “Holiday in Cambodia: The Untold Story of Jello Biafra and the Dead Kennedys” will be available in over 100 countries, subtitled in 25 languages.
As the world waits for the premiere, one thing is clear—punk’s not dead. It’s just getting started.
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