“Vibe Istanbul,” a documentary showcasing Istanbul’s electronic music scene, premiered at the Istanbul Film Festival. Directed by Saeed Nasiri and Nafise Motlagh, the film highlights how the city’s underground music culture grew from small basement clubs to global recognition.
The documentary features influential DJs and producers like Mehmet Cavcı, Mercan Dede, and Mahmut Orhan, telling the story of how youth in post-1980s Turkiye used music as a form of resistance and freedom. It also focuses on legendary venues like Club 2019, which became a cultural hotspot despite its short life span.
The film doesn’t just highlight the successes of the scene but also covers the challenges, including terrorist attacks and regional conflicts, which brought a mix of cultures to Istanbul’s nightlife. The filmmakers emphasized how music became a symbol of hope and unity in a diverse city.
Today, Istanbul’s electronic music scene thrives in smaller, constantly changing venues, reflecting the fleeting beauty of the culture.
