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CINECITY: Move Ya Body: The Birth of House
Dir: Elegance Bratton, USA 2025

In 1980s Chicago, house music expressed the desire for black freedom and queer joy.

'Move Ya Body' is an exhilarating documentary that captures the excitement of being in a club with seven foot speakers and ‘the biggest, most powerful bomb-ass bass system’. There’s a hi-energy mix of archive footage, dramatic reconstructions, and interviews with key figures such as house music pioneer Vince Lawrence.

Director Elegance Bratton traces the music’s origins back to disco, and underlines the significance of black political activism. The film also highlights the all too familiar story of unscrupulous record bosses and mainstream performers who hijacked the original sound. But there’s no denying the music’s ongoing legacy.

‘The film is above all a celebration. It promises a good time and delivers.’ Murtada Elfadl, Variety

Please note we can only admit patrons aged 18 and over as this film has not been certified by the British Board of Film Classification nor an advisory rating given by either Brighton & Hove City Council or Lewes District Council. It has been agreed with these local authorities that we can screen these unclassified films but only those 18 and over can be admitted.

About CINECITY
Now in its 23rd year, CINECITY presents the very best in world cinema, with a diverse programme of premieres and previews, treasures from the archive, live soundtracks, exhibitions, talks and special events.

The festival takes place from 30 October until 16 November at venues across Brighton and Lewes.