🎥 Style Wars (1983) Presented by Washington Studio School, Style Wars is the quintessential documentary capturing the explosive early graffiti and hip-hop culture of 1980s New York. Directed by Tony Silver and co-produced with Henry Chalfant, Style Wars follows teenage “writers” like Seen, Dondi, Skeme, and Futura as they turn the subway system into a moving canvas—transforming urban decay into dynamic public art. The film also immerses viewers in the three pillars of early hip-hop: graffiti, breakdancing, and rap, featuring electrifying street corner b-boy battles and MCs in full performance mode Through vivid, gritty footage and candid interviews, Style Wars explores the creative drive of young artists as they clash with city authorities—including Mayor Ed Koch and transit officials—who considered graffiti a threat to public order. The film frames this tension with nuance, amplifying the voices of its subjects over those of detractors Awarded the Grand Prize for Documentary at…