Our Top 5 Disco Documentaries (written for Future Disco)

Disco is not only a music genre but a colorful and historically rich culture that has built and maintained a community for decades. So to provide a little taster and window into that culture, we have pulled out the five documentaries that should get you started. You can expect to be transported through time to iconic moments with insights and mind-blowing stories from Disco’s key figures.

Future Disco brings the best in contemporary house and disco, aiming to keep Disco’s dazzling spirit alive. But it’s important to never forget where it came from and pay homage to the venues, people and DJs who got things started.

Here are our top 5 picks for you enjoy in the last weeks of lockdown before we get busy in the discotheques once again. KEITH HARING: STREET ART BOY

Released in 2020, this BBC documentary dives into the life and works of international art sensation, Keith Haring who revolutionised the world of pop culture in New York during the 80s. The film uncovers the artist’s story using unseen interviews with Haring. He celebrated black music and culture, famously smothering the naked bodies of Grace Jones and the dancer Bill T Jones with graffiti. The documentary includes music from Minnie Riperton, Gwen Guthrie, Dianna Ross, and Chic.

Avaialble via BBC Iplayer here.

DEEP IN VOGUE

The 2018 film portrays insights into the colourful, queer, emotional, and political stories of Northern Vogue. Born from ballrooms in New York during the 80s, Vogueing is a dance that was iconic within the gay community, allowing individuals to express themselves freely and expressively. Over 30 years on and across the continent, this movement lives on in the north of England; Manchester and Liverpool.

Available via Amazon here.

PARIS IS BURNING

Whilst Deep in Vogue covers how the spirit and relevance of vogueing lives on, the notorious and controversial film, Paris Is Burning showcased the lives of gay men of colour, drag queens, and transgender women, during the 80s. The film dived into a fairly untouched culture and sparked many conversations about the identity of the LGBT community. Colourful and emotional throughout, Paris Is Burning is a film that will always stay with you.

Available via Netflix.

STUDIO 54

No discussion of the history of disco would be complete without Studio 54, one of the most notorious clubs in music history, which gave birth to a whole movement. Under the same name, the 2018 documentary explores the hedonistic story of the New York club, uncovering its incredible rise to fame as well as its sudden fall. Exclusive footage and interviews from key figures transport you back into the glittery walls of Disco’s most iconic spaces.

Available via Amazon here.

MAESTRO

One of the first documentaries to dive deep into the underground and trace dance music’s blueprints is Maestro. We are shown the creation of the legendary venue, Paradise Garage which paved the way for modern dance clubs. Its infamous longstanding resident, Larry Levan was at the forefront of this movement and forms a significant part of the film. Witness the story of a group of people who lived and died for this scene, told by some of its founding fathers and predecessors.

Available via Youtube here.