Watch: Documentary From Queer Filmmaker Highlights Corks Underground Techno Scene
A new documentary showcasing Cork's underground techno scene will be released in the summer of 2023. Created by filmmaker extraordinaire McLean Black, the film follows the voices of some of the key figures in the Cryptic community behind a new wave of noise in rebel territory.
The group began organizing events in May and has since held illegal parties in churches, warehouses and other undisclosed locations.
Filmed in black and white, the documentary features interviews with DJs Jamie Behan, Melanie Higgins (MEJMI), David O'Neill (Doyler) and Keira. Both Kryptik organizers and active fan Ciprian Valantovic share their thoughts.
Visitors emphasize the difference between mainstream club nights and underground techno nights and appreciate the inclusiveness of the scene. They also discuss misconceptions about raves and illegal drug use, and outline measures taken to keep crowds safe at events.
The documentary is divided into interviews with speakers and cryptocurrency footage taken at secret meetings, as well as local locations and the homes of the people involved. Photos and videos are by the aforementioned McLean Black, who has dedicated much of his art to his community.
Speaking to Four/Four magazine, they explained their inspiration for the project: “It's hard to narrow it down specifically because there are so many reasons why I wanted to do it, but when I was 15 or 16 I found an old kid. A documentary about Vice. It's illegal in the UK and I thought it was really cool.
"I was into techno music at the time and I wasn't a hobbyist with photography, so I wasn't planning to do my own version at the time, but for one reason or another, the documentary stuck with its boss." they continued. .
“Four or five years ago I moved from Galway to Cork and was able to take photography in Cork, particularly the Cork techno scene, from something that was really a passive interest to something that I started to understand. .. Paid up to date, this has become my main source of income. I decided very early on whether Faoi Thalamh would be my first major project to revive the Cork techno scene, my first solo exhibition and the inspiration for the documentary.
"The Mork music scene has done so much for me and given me a sense of belonging, and I tried to explain that world through this documentary," Black said.
Watch the full documentary exploring Cork's underground tech scene below!
© 2023 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
GCN has been a free and active news service for the Irish LGBTQ+ community since 1988.
During the global COVID-19 pandemic, we, like many other organizations, have had a significant impact on how we can conduct business and produce products. This means a break in our print publications and live events, so now more than ever we need your help to continue providing these community resources digitally.
GCN is a registered charity with a non-profit business model and we need your support. If having independent media for the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland is important to you, you can help for just €1.99 a month . Support free and independent Irish LGBTQ+ media.
