Ibiza Occident

“A diverting peek behind the inebriative surface dazzle of the island of Ibiza, Europe’s longtime party capital, offering different takes on paradise as occupation, lifestyle, creative passion and big business.” – Variety

In the Hollywood of electronic music, musicians, DJs and promoters are working on a sophisticated entertainment machine to satisfy stressed-out Western society’s desire for fun, sex and freedom.

King of the Ibiza scene is techno-DJ, Cristian Varela. He traverses the island from gig to gig, helped by an army of publicists and managers. Impresario Richard Urgell has been selling ‘parties and fun’ via his nightclub franchise, Pacha, since the 1970s. Mike and Claire Manumission, founders of the notoriously debauched Manumission parties, recall the heady days of the 1990s. Meanwhile DJ Alfredo, still in demand in his 60s, and island veteran, Manel Argaones, look back to the days when Ibiza was less materialistic, “an escape valve from the Franco regime”.

But the real protagonist of this acclaimed film is the island and music as its inspiration. Because in Ibiza, music is the cardinal point where all lines meet.