Winner of the Best Documentary Feature Award at the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, Planet B-Boy was shown in the main theatre here at Skyline Wednesday, Nov. 20 as part of the Rock the School Bells event to help promote and spread the genre as well as find support for the several clubs promoting the show.

Directed by Korean filmmaker Benson Lee, the story follows several teams from around the world in preparation for the 2005 Battle of the Year competition. Crews from Japan, South Korea, France and the United States were featured, each telling of personal stories and the meaning of Hip Hop and the B-Boy lifestyle.

Representing Japan was team Ichigeki, with a member of the crew proclaiming (via subtitles) that “Battling can help release emotion,” revealing himself after a dramatic story of how he lost his father to illness at a young age. Intent on being the best, Ichigeki members poured their full passion into their performances.

The United States’ entry into Battle of the Year was Knucklehead Zoo of Las Vegas, who hoped to bring back the title that has eluded the Americans since 1998. Fellow team members had inspiring words for each other, “Get out there and rip that shit up!” Knowing that B-Boys and Hip Hop had originated from the USA, Knucklehead Zoo looked to prove that they were in fact the best in the world.

Defending champs, the Gamblerz of Korea, were still clearly a step ahead of other crews, as their routines were acrobatic and difficult, a mix of handstands, headspins, t-flairs and poses. Possibly the most memorable portion of the interview with the Gamblerz was a military clothed B-Boy, strutting his moves while on watch, clad full with suit, gun, boots and hat.

“Dancing is not allowed in the Army. Period.”

The winner of the 2005 Battle of the Year won’t be revealed – watching the documentary is a treat leading to the grand finale.

Truly an inspiring look into the underground culture, Planet B-Boy is a remarkable film that chronicles the lifestyle both here, and abroad. The thirty or so students lucky enough to catch the film for free here at Skyline should give much thanks to the groups who sponsored the event – Puente, ASTEP, Hermanos, and to Kababayan who spearheaded Wednesday’s showing. Rock the School Bells continues throughout the week, with Hip-Hop workshops and concert performances scheduled for the weekend.