ONLY POSERS DIE: WHY SLC PUNK LIVES ON (A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT SLC PUNK)

The Pop Punk Dad
Aug 12
3 min read

James Merendino, the writer and director behind the 1998 cult classic SLC Punk, has officially launched a crowdfunding campaign to bring his newest project, ONLY POSERS DIE: WHY SLC PUNK LIVES ON, to life. The upcoming documentary will explore the enduring legacy of SLC Punk, why it remains a cultural touchstone more than 25 years later, and the passionate fan community that continues to keep its spirit alive.

First released in 1998, SLC Punk followed the anarchic adventures of Stevo (Matthew Lillard) and Heroin Bob (Michael A. Goorjian) as they navigated the punk scene and cultural clashes of early-1980s Salt Lake City. Initially a small indie film, it became a generational anthem for outsiders, rebels, and anyone who never quite fit in. In 2016, Merendino returned to the world with Punk’s Dead: SLC Punk 2, expanding the story to a new generation.

Merendino goes on about the documentary: “I’m interested in how this little movie became a cult film,” says Merendino. “I want to talk to the fans.”

ONLY POSERS DIE will blend interviews with cast, crew, cultural critics, and most importantly fans. This is not just a making-of; it’s an exploration of why the film continues to resonate decades later, the power of punk ethos, and the role 1990s cult movies played in shaping subcultural identity. The project will also highlight other iconic ’90s cult films, from Clerks to Donnie Darko, placing SLC Punk within a wider cultural conversation.

ONLY POSERS DIE is not just a film about a film, it’s a love letter to the punk community and a preservation of counterculture history. Merendino’s goal is to capture not just the legacy of SLC Punk, but also the fan stories, music, and ethos that have kept it alive. Every supporter becomes part of that history.

Production plans for the film include Merendino and producer Sev kicking off a 10-day shoot in Utah this month, filming interviews with real punks living in the SLC who inspired characters of the film as well as conversations with the director's friends and family about his personal connection to the story and man on the street style interviews with fans with behind the scenes coverage. In addition, an SLC PUNK screening of the film, along with a live Q&A with James on August 17th at the Proper Brewing CO in Salt Lake City UT and a Meet & Greet plus SLC PUNK Trivia on August 19th at the same venue.

The campaign aims to raise $60,000, with $11,985 already pledged from 156 backers. Supporters can choose from a range of perks, including:

Name in the film credits ($10)
Digital copy of the movie ($20)
Photo or tattoo featured in the film ($50)
Signed SLC Punk 2 DVD ($60)
Submit a personal video for inclusion ($100)
Music placement in the documentary ($500)
Sponsorship credits for businesses ($500–$5,000)
Concert performance filming for inclusion ($20,000)

Higher-tier backers can receive Associate Producer or Opening Credit Sponsor recognition.

You can join the movement and help by donating to the crowdfunding here:

DONATE HERE

Upcoming Events at Proper Brewing Co. – Salt Lake City

Sunday, August 17, 7 PM – SLC Punk Q&A with James Merendino + Screening (8 PM)
Tuesday, August 19, 5:30 PM – Meet & Greet + SLC Punk Trivia (7:30 PM)