VJ Diaries

A philosophical flume ride through the physical, political and moral borders that inhibit the free movement of people and ideas. Mixing commentary, computer graphics, dramatizations, and investigative journalism, Borders probes the unsettling paradoxes behind immigration, drugs, Star Wars, and other topics.

The X-rated cartoon animations of Emmy award winning director/animator Merrill Aldighieri add a comical edge to this intense documentary with Lydia Lunch, a second collaboration after their first success, ""The Gun is Loaded."" Highlights from 5 concerts are accompanied by a live music score performed by composer JOE BUDENHOLZER & horn player TERRY EDWARDS (from MADNESS) during their travels to MARSEILLE, LYON, EVREUX, & NANTES. Bonus clips include rare on-the road interview footage with Lydia and composer Joe B., and an exclusive reading done at the Père Lachaise Cemetary.

At the end of the Reagan years, rocker and confrontational performance artist Lydia Lunch launches a broadside. From a formal podium, she attacks the white male power structure of the US. Next she takes on her parents. Then, the volume lowered and the background the streets of New York, she lets us know what she thinks of life, of herself, and of us, anyone who's watching or listening. Life is depression, despair, and death. She's the girl next door gone bad. And us? Compliant sheep. Lunch lays out a challenge.

When young Caroline learns of her mother's death in Paris, she travels to the City of Lights for the funeral. Sad and alone, Caroline wanders the exotic city in search of answers, finality, and peace of mind. But only misfortune is in stock, as Caroline is attacked and robbed by a French thug. Coming to her rescue is Isabelle, a mysterious and voluptuous woman who offers her food and shelter. Little does Caroline realize that this Parisian beauty is a modern-day vampire looking for vulnerable victims.

9-song XEX concert from 1981, recorded live at Hurrah in New York by Merrill Aldighieri.