Skintown film explores Irish rave culture during The Troubles

The film ‘Skintown’, directed by Kieron J. Walsh, explores Irish rave culture and coming-of-age themes set against the backdrop of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Set in the summer of 1994 in Fermanagh, the story follows two friends, Vinny and Jonty, as they navigate youthful rebellion, nightclub adventures, and the opportunity to sell ecstasy in their hometown of Enniskillen.

The production, which took nine years to complete, premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival where it received the Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence. The film features a soundtrack including artists such as The Prodigy, Happy Mondays, and Carl Cox, who also makes a cameo appearance.

Lead actors include Jack Rowan and Chris Walley. The narrative captures a period of transition, set during the announcement of a ceasefire, blending elements of nostalgia and the chaotic energy of the era’s rave scene with the political tension of the conflict.