A new documentary exploring Ukraine’s underground rave culture during wartime will feature music from Fred again.., Aphex Twin, Four Tet and Brian Eno, alongside a selection of Ukrainian artists.
Directed by James Marcus Haney (Director of No Cameras Allowed), Black Sunflowers follows young Ukrainians navigating adulthood, martial law, and club culture following Russia’s 2022 invasion. The soundtrack highlights Ukrainian and international electronic artists, including Aphex Twin, Fred again.., Four Tet, Eno, IDLES, Morphine, Sega Bodega, Nastya Vogan, Два Два Дев’ять, Ann Annie and Marwan. Ukrainian musician Koloah (Kostiantyn Shcherbyna) composed the score.
Haney explained to MixMag that the soundtrack mirrors the film’s ensemble by reflecting what the featured youth actually listen to, blending Ukrainian tracks with European and US artists to highlight international influences. One subject, an amputee soldier using a blade prosthesis, finds freedom on the dancefloor. Thus, the documentary frames rave culture not merely as nightlife, but as identity, community, and escape during wartime.
Black Sunflowers premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on 11 September, featuring an afterparty with an all-night set by Ben UFO.
