The Untold Story of Public Enemy’s S1Ws at PAFF
If hip-hop had an army, the S1Ws (Security of the First World) were its frontline soldiers. They weren’t just background figures in Public Enemy’s iconic performances—they were a movement, a force, and a statement. On Wednesday, February 12, PAFF is honored to present the Centerpiece Screening of And to My Rescue It Was the S1Ws: A Public Enemy Story at The Culver Theater, shining a long-overdue spotlight on the untold history of these unsung guardians of hip-hop.
A Story That Needed to Be Told
We all know Public Enemy—the beats, the bars, the unflinching social commentary. But behind the music was a disciplined, military-style brotherhood dedicated to protecting the group and embodying the message they preached. From the streets of New York to international stages, the S1Ws represented order, purpose, and power—a direct response to the chaos of systemic oppression.
Through rare footage and firsthand accounts from Chuck D, Flavor Flav, and the S1Ws themselves, along with hip-hop royalty like Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Ice Cube, Doug E. Fresh, and Ice-T, this documentary gives audiences an inside look at how hip-hop became more than music—it became a global revolution.
Why This Film Matters
The legacy of Public Enemy and the S1Ws isn’t just about music; it’s about resistance, resilience, and the fight for justice. This film isn’t a nostalgia trip—it’s a necessary reminder of hip-hop’s roots as a form of protest, empowerment, and truth-telling.
In today’s world, where hip-hop is often reduced to viral trends and industry politics, And to My Rescue It Was the S1Ws is a powerful reclamation of its revolutionary spirit. It’s about remembering the people who built this culture, the sacrifices they made, and the impact they had—not just in music, but in the world.
Be in the Room Where It Happens
If you love hip-hop, if you respect the culture, if you understand the power of storytelling—this screening is for you.
📍 The Culver Theater
📅 Wednesday, February 12
🎬 PAFF Centerpiece Screening
Tickets are available now here.
Don’t just hear about it after the fact. Be there.
