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Above Ground Level: Dubfire

Name: Above Ground Level: Dubfire
Director: Michael Koczynski, Mino Kodama
Released: 2017
Duration: 77 min

Representation Score

5.4/10

Fair

2017

TV-14

Director

Michael Koczynski, Mino Kodama

Runtime

77 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Above Ground Level: Dubfire stands as a meaningful biographical study that challenges the uniformity of mainstream success stories. By highlighting an Iranian-American figure, the film diverges from conventional Western biographical models. It successfully validates the intersection of various cultural identities, moving beyond straightforward industry reporting to explore how heritage shapes global professional achievements. However, the film remains somewhat limited in addressing social hierarchies. While it features a diverse protagonist, it does not explicitly tackle systemic issues related to gender or LGBTQ+ representation within the music scene.

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Category Breakdown

Does Above Ground Level: Dubfire have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film delves into the dance music subculture, historically connected to LGBTQ+ spaces. However, it lacks clear character arcs or representations of non-cisgender identities.

How does Above Ground Level: Dubfire portray gender?

Fair

The documentary centers on Ali Shirazinia’s professional journey, presenting a male-centric narrative that does not highlight female roles or challenge gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Above Ground Level: Dubfire?

Excellent

By focusing on an Iranian-American protagonist, the film breaks away from traditional Anglo-centric success stories, offering a multifaceted view of professional achievement.

How does Above Ground Level: Dubfire represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative emphasizes secular ambition and personal passion, depicting a modern, meritocratic lifestyle within a globalized electronic music culture.

Does Above Ground Level: Dubfire include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not address characters or subjects dealing with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health conditions.

Present on Screen

Strong racial and ethnic focus through an Iranian-American protagonist.
Challenges traditional Anglo-centric narratives of global success.
Explores the intersection of diaspora identity and professional achievement.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation or empowerment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Narrative appears heavily male-focused.
Does not actively address gender or social hierarchies within the industry.

Official Synopsis

As one-half of the Grammy award-winning duo "Deep Dish", Iranian-American Ali Shirazinia (aka 'Dubfire') has established himself as one of the world's most successful DJs and producers. But the road to success was not an easy one. With candid interviews from family, childhood friends, industry peers, and fellow artists, this film takes an intimate and honest look inside the nuanced world of dance music. This is an aspirational story about pursuing your passion, daring to dream big, and the challenges that come with success. It is an insider's look at what its like to be an electronic music artist from Above Ground Level.

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