Rave documentary 'Free Party: A Folk History' to get streaming release

A documentary exploring the '90s origins of the UK free party movement is set to make its streaming debut this month.

First released in 2025, Free Party: A Folk History charts the “untold story of how rave culture shook the system and sparked a global revolution” and includes interviews with seminal figures including Spiral Tribe, DiY Sound System, Bedlam and more.

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From May 21, the film will be available to watch via independent cinema platform Eventive, with plans for further release on mainstream platforms in November — a portion of the proceeds from the film's streaming release will be donated to London-based charity Refugee Community Kitchen.

The film was first announced in a crowdfunding campaign in 2021, and is directed by Aaron Trinder, who explores everything from the Castlemorton free party of 1992 to the enactment of the Criminal Justice Act in 1994.

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“This film is a unique look at a much-underrepresented moment in cultural history,” Trinder said ahead of the film's debut in 2025. “With new laws criminalising trespass and protest across Europe, the story is more relevant than ever.”

“It was the last great unifying youth movement before the digital age, one that challenged the authorities, connected environmental awareness with music, and questioned laws on land rights and trespass,” he said.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on X