Set in the heart of Detroit’s underground rave scene in the early 1990s, KIDS LIKE US is a new short film that delves into themes of identity, connection, and self-discovery through the lens of techno culture.
Written and directed by Michigan-based filmmaker Luke Jaden, the film draws inspiration from the formative years of electronic music pioneer Richie Hawtin. Shot on 35mm Kodak film, KIDS LIKE US visually channels the raw energy of Detroit’s legendary Spastik party at the Packard Plant in 1994—a night that marked the live debut of Hawtin’s Plastikman project and played a pivotal role in shaping global techno.
Blending archival detail with lived experience, the film avoids nostalgic romanticism in favor of authenticity. It captures the role underground parties played in building inclusive communities during a time of urban decline, showcasing how dance floors became spaces for personal expression and lasting human connection. Filmed at a present-day Detroit rave, KIDS LIKE US is both a tribute to the scene’s legacy and a reflection on how fleeting nightlife moments can define a generation.
Speaking on the film, Luke Jaden stated: “I have always been deeply inspired by the early 90s underground techno culture in Detroit – the birthplace of techno. It’s a scene where you feel totally free to be yourself and it’s one of the most welcoming, inviting communities to be around: family. The darkness. The single strobe light. The pounding music shaking the walls. The dance floor represents this womb for acceptance and freedom. Not just by society, but with yourself. If anything, it’s an anthem for resilience. Going to a techno show is a sacred place for self-exploration. I have had some of my most deeply personal profound moments on the dance floor at techno parties and it felt like the perfect way in to offer this experience to people who haven’t experienced it before. And if you have, then you know how special it is.”
KIDS LIKE US is available to watch now via NOWNESS.