Evolution of Rotterdam’s rave culture explored in new documentary
The film celebrates 30 years of Rotterdam’s dance music scene, from the ‘90s to present day
A brand new documentary is set to explore the 30-year evolution of Rotterdam’s rave culture, screening for the first time this month.
Rotterdam Rave Culture: 30 Years of Heritage chronicles the changing dance music scene in the Dutch city, from the early ‘90s “gabber boom” to the music of the present day.
Directed by sound designer, filmmaker and raver Dennis van Rijswijk, and produced by music journalist Holly Dicker, Rotterdam Rave Culture includes interviews with artists, ravers, and promoters, and also features archival footage.
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The 45-minute documentary is due to screen for the first time at the International Film Festival Rotterdam on January 31, followed by a Q&A. It’ll then be shown again on February 2 and February 5.
Rotterdam Rave Culture is said to be “filled with nostalgia-inducing archival materials”, taking the viewer on a “deep dive into what made the Rotterdam scene so unique”.
“While celebrating the highlights of hardcore’s infamous history, this passionate film also explores how the scene has progressed and reshaped itself in a post-pandemic cultural landscape,” reads a description.
The documentary features interviews with artists from Rotterdam’s rave scene, including DJ Panic, George Ruseler, and Leonie Neervoort.
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In a statement via Resident Advisor, director Dennis van Rijswijk explained that the documentary was filmed “from as many surviving dancefloors as possible over winter 2022”, as well as the homes, studios, and vinyl institutions of Rotterdam.
“Rotterdam has a rich rave history that has been suppressed or misrepresented for far too long,” he said. “This film is for Rotterdammers, by Rotterdammers and ravers worldwide.”
After Rotterdam Rave Culture’s premiere on January 31, an event will be hosted at Rotterdam nightclub Perron featuring DJs included in the film.
Find out more about the screening here, and watch a trailer below.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter