THE LAST YEAR OF DARKNESS Trailer: Award-Winning Documentary Captures a Changing China

“I think real life is something you need to feel for yourself.” Documentary filmmaker Benjamin Mullinkosson explores China’s rave scene and youth culture in his newest film, The Last Year of Darkness. Set in Chengdu, the capitol city of the Sichuan Province, it follows a variety of free-spirited young adults dealing with the closing of their favorite nightclub that had given them a much-needed euphoria in their own challenging lives. MUBI has released the official trailer before it streams on their platform on March 15.

Here’s the official synopsis:

As the city of Chengdu changes, the future of beloved club Funky Town is unclear. For a vibrant group of DJs, drag performers, lovers, ravers, and skaters this is a sanctuary for underground partying and allows them to thrive after the sun sets. It’s the one place that accepts them for who they really are, whilst they run away from their problems during the day. With construction cranes looming from an encroaching metro station, the friends are forced to face what brought them to the party in the first place and make the most of their remaining time there. The Last Year of Darkness is a coming-of-age film that celebrates the ephemerality of youth — from love to loss, from throwing up to growing up.

Watch the trailer below.

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