The Last Year of Darkness

Ben Mullinkosson's 2023 documentary covers the last year of an underground club in a Chinese city. Slated for demolition because of metro construction, the venue is the only place where those outside the mainstream nightlife gather. The documentary follows five people: a digital artist, a tattooist, a musician and two regulars, all of whom live different lives by day and become someone else here at night. The narrative shows this not as escape but as the only available space for expression. Mullinkosson stayed at the club for a long time and the camera is often in a participant's position. The image is built on neon and low resolution; the sound design does not cut the music. Who it's for: those curious about youth subcultures and contemporary China. Who it's not for: viewers uncomfortable with drug use and mental health crises; the film records them and does not intervene.