Dirk Walczak’s ‘Forgotten Town’ is an impeccably produced deep-dive into one of Germany’s most overlooked musical subcultures. With humour, heart, and a driving sense of purpose, the film chronicles the rise of Hakke – a grassroots hardcore techno magazine born in the industrial heart of Chemnitz in the early 1990s.
‘Forgotten Town’ plays like a time capsule cracked open with affection and a hint of chaos. It introduces us to the founders of Hakke – Danny Ackerman (DJ B.A), Mirko Rossner (Chaot), Jörg Paetzold (Dr. Kaoz), and Jan Demnitz (Jade) – a crew of self-styled sonic rebels who, frustrated by the mainstream neglect of hardcore, decided to create their own platform. What follows is a vibrant recounting of their kitchen-table publishing process, frenetic road trips to Holland, and the DIY ethos that shaped both the magazine and the underground community that formed around it.
It’s sharply edited, visually polished, and clearly made with technical skill, but it never lapses into self-importance. Instead, it leans into the humour and eccentricities of its contributors, giving the film a welcome edge of authenticity. There’s an infectious joy in watching these creatives – now older but still animated – reflect on a moment when passion trumped production budgets and rave flyers were gospel.
For those intrigued by niche music history or seeking insight into the foundations of Eastern Germany’s hardcore scene, ‘Forgotten Town’ delivers a compelling, highly watchable experience. It’s a rare blend of nostalgia and cultural commentary, anchored in the beats of a genre that refused to fade quietly. This is essential viewing for anyone who believes in the power of underground culture to leave a mark.
