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MOMENT UTOPIA

DIRECTED by KENJI WILLIAMS

Fungus Productions US/VHS

The mainstream media has presented 'rave' culture in two ways. Either it is completely negative with reports about drug abuse and scandalous behavior by teenagers, or its is portrayed as some kind of banal enteratinment trend. Of course, both these elements do exist within the scene, but these are equally a reflection of mainstream society within rave, as much as inherent to rave itself. Up until now, there have been few visual documentaries of any substance from the underground. Film maker Kenji Williams' 30-minute documentary, insightfully called "Moment Utopia", is therefore an important voice in the attempt to establish an intelligent and positive view of 'rave' culture. Visually the film is beautiful, with keen production skills and some stunning cinematography, especially considering that the film was made on a budget. It reminded me in style of "Koyaanisqatsi" or "Baraka", with the impact of the music and visuals supplemented by interviews and spoken interludes. With original music, as well as 'live' recordings from parties, the soundtrack is well chosen and fits the overall mood of the film well. Rather than using well-known dance tracks, the specially written music is more like a proper score.

The main purpose of the film is to connect the various strands of 'tribalism' within dance culture, and this Williams does by opening the film with interviews and film of Native American tribal rituals. He then goes on to use footage of a Transcendance warehouse techno event in Toronto, and a Moontribe full moon party in the California desert, showcasing two of the more spiritual possibilities of the underground, both indoors and out. By putting the parties into a larger context of ritual and celebration, the film successfully makes its point, linking the rave movement with ancient traditions. "Moment Utopia" plays a crucial part in creating a positive voice for rave culture when so much about it is beyond the pettiness of much of rave and of society at the turn of this century, and plant seeds for the future - beyond rave. Uplifting and confirming of faith, "Moment Utopia" deserves a wide audience.

Andrew Rawnsley - XLR8R