The Rise of the Synths

The Rise of the Synths | Iván Castell | ES/US 2019 | 82 Min | DCP
Schikaneder
Sa,19.09.▸23:00
Metro
We,23.09.▸18:00

Ever since the global success of Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive and Stranger Things, synthwave has been the soundtrack of choice for all filmmak- ers wishing to give their work a retro-cool sonic hue. Iván Castell’s fittingly stylish documentary traces the current hype around the nostalgically emotional subgenre in a fascinating, witty trip through time from artists like Carpenter Brut and Kavinsky all the way back to its beginnings in the 1970s. To top it all off, The Rise of the Synths is narrated by the indie director whose minimalist, self-composed soundtracks laid the foundation for synthwave: John Carpenter.

Iván Castell
is a director, editor, and cofounder of Castell & Moreno in Zaragoza, Spain. He studied for a Master in Economics from the Université de Lovain-La-Neuve (Brussels) but soon discovered his passion for filmmaking. His directorial debut came in 2008, with the short film Nave # 527, presented in several audio-visual markets such as Clermont-Ferrand (France). The film went viral and enjoyed wide coverage in the Spanish national media. He released Trovadores in 2014, a film that explored the career of underground musicians who do not make a living from their music. It was Iván’s feature documentary debut. He has made music videos for The Closers (King of Patio Records), Hankat (Sounds of Copenhagen Records), Grossomodo (Rap Solo) and Calavera (Doma Clásica).
Watch trailer
Language OmeU
Cast John Carpenter (Narrator), Rubén Martínez (Synth Rider), and participating bands
Writer Iván Castell
Editing Iván Castell
Cinematography Beltrán García Valiente, Adrián Barcelona

Screenings

Schikaneder
Sa,19.09.▸23:00
Metro
We,23.09.▸18:00