In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats to have its Australian Premiere at Melbourne International Film Festival
We are thrilled to announce that "In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats" is set to have its Australian premiere at the esteemed Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) from 17th to 20th August. This award-winning documentary by renowned VR Filmmaker Darren Emerson and Executive Producers Ashley Cowan and Dan Tucker takes viewers on a historical journey back to the 1980s Acid House movement, celebrating the spirit of community, rebellion, and, of course, the insatiable pursuit of repetitive beats.
The film, which transports you to the heart of Coventry – the unlikely epicentre of the UK rave scene during the '80s – stands as an ode to a generation of youth, from all classes and backgrounds, who during the Thatcher years found solace in music, creating a community amidst the pulsating beats of the underground rave culture. While you'll be swept up in the rush of clandestine parties in warehouses, woodlands, disused buildings, and empty fields, the film also delves into the complex dynamics of the era, highlighting the police's staunch attempts to quell these raucous parties.
"In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats" is the latest creation from Darren Emerson, whose previous VR experiences "Common Ground" (MIFF 2019) and "Invisible" (MIFF 2016) captivated audiences with their innovative storytelling. Emerson continues his streak of immersive filmmaking in this latest endeavour, deftly incorporating 3D modelling, volumetric capture, and animation to recreate the intoxicating atmosphere of the rave era. Moreover, the film is steeped in historical authenticity, enriched by firsthand accounts from legendary ravers and an iconic soundtrack featuring songs by Orbital, Joey Beltram, and Neal Howard.
Crowned with the IDFA’s DocLab Award for Immersive Non-Fiction, "In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats" is more than a film; it's a multisensory joyride, a transportive work that encapsulates the energy, the thrill, and the unity born out of the Acid House movement. As aptly stated by Why Now, it is “akin to a time machine – or at least the closest thing we have to one so far ... Surrounds you with sound, senses and the thrill of being young.”
Join us at MIFF and experience the euphoria of the Acid House era, immersing yourself in the pulsating rhythm and contagious energy of the 80s rave scene. Tickets are now available on the MIFF website at this link. Step into the time machine and chase the next dance-floor high with us.