Infuse 25 minutes of art with exploration of love, perception, vulnerability. Add hurt, healing, gabbers, tales of drugs, raves, experiences profound- and you get a film about Yoran. A disarmingly charming Dutch gabber. The story gives a glimpse into a life he shares with friends, parents, a (very dull) brother, Yoran’s demons, his favorite music, and more. The short film could easily be perceived as cultural voyeurism, or an artful twist on a reality docu. And you are invited to witness it all in such fashion. But there’s more to it. Much more.
So, what exactly is a Gabber? Wiki says: gabber comes from a variety of the Dutch language called ‘Amsterdam’s Bargoens’. And- in “Bargoen’s” the word gabber means ‘friend’. However by now, the word also applies to people who listen to “Hardcore EDM” , and go to the widely known Hardcore raves. Gabbers are thus – Hardcore Ravers – and you can spot them by the distinct clothing brands that are popularised among the faithful and.. you will also know them- by their iconic hairstyles..
via @GABBERCULTURE
via @GABBER.RESISTANCE
The film is called “A Gabber Goes Home” and the title itself really couldn’t be more apt, because “what’s home to whome and why” is really worth exploring and more importantly- understanding. The film follows Yoran, a Dutch gabber with enough charisma and energy to draw crowds to theaters many times over. His parents and brother, in contrast, are quiet, reserved, patient, enduring and expectant.
It’s a familiar dynamic to an extent, you’ve seen it before, but it is filmed with such a kind and patient regard for all involved that one of the film’s bigger points might actually go unexeprienced. If it doesn’t pass you by however, you’ll find yourself going from attending a curious play of life with a loveable main character, to watching a tragedy; grimm and uncertain. And that perception, once it shifts, leaves you with a view so painful you’re left stunned. Quite like a child that finds itself gawking at a deer caught in the headlights, not realising fully that the deer is- in fact- likely to get hit by a car. And you do not want that, at all. It’s Bambi for heaven’s sake.
Clocking at 25 minutes the film requires no plot spoilers. Watch the trailer (in Dutch) with an English subtitle available for you below.. While the trailer is in Dutch, English subs are available on Prime Video for the film itself. Availability may vary by region.
Yoran:
“Standing in line… I get more and more nervous…”
“You hear that music… pounding louder and louder..”
“You feel that bass… and you think… Wow.. Gruesomely Phat!”
Father:
“No. Actually I do not think of him as a real Gabber..”
Yoran:
“Hardcore [the music style] got me through rough times..”
“It offered distraction..”
“My Gabbers stood by me when I was going through a rough patch..”
“I really have to show my parents that I’m doing well…”
“I need to do more.. ”
“As is, it’s not enough..”
The trailer reveals much, but the film gives so much more. And if it doesn’t get lost in translation, Een Gabber Gaat Naar Huis has the power to both hurt and heal. And I get the impression the makers are impartial, and simply set out to “show”.
Truly, a great film.
Wow.
Gruesomly Phat.
