1994, a small town in central Scotland. Best mates Johnno and Spanner, despite being total opposites, have a deep bond. Now on the cusp of adulthood, life is destined to take them in different directions – Johnno’s family are moving him to a new town and a better life, leaving Spanner behind to face a precarious future. But this summer is going to be different for them, and for the country. The explosion of the free party scene and the largest counter-cultural youth movement in recent history is happening across the UK. In pursuit of adventure and escape the boys head out on one last night together to an illegal rave. Stealing cash from Spanner’s older brother, under the hazy stewardship of pirate radio DJ D-Man, the boys’ journey into an underworld of anarchy, freedom and a full on collision with the forces of law and order.

More information: http://www.thefestivalagency.com/movies/detail/1226

Brian WELSH, born in 1981 in Falkirk/Scotland, began his career as an editor in documentaries, before attending the National Film and Television School in London. In 2009, he made his directing debut KIN. On graduating he was commissioned by the British film distributor Curzon Artificial Eye to make a micro-­budget feature film which became IN OUR NAME (2010). He has directed several TV dramas, winning multiple awards, including an Emmy Award for his episode for the TV series BLACK MIRROR. BEATS is his second feature film.

Filmography (selection): 2009 KIN, 2010 IN OUR NAME, 2011 BLACK MIRROR (TV series – segment “The Entire History of You”), 2014 GLASGOW GIRLS (TV film), 2016 THE RACK PACK, 2018 BEATS