We have an exclusive clip from the SXSW favorite Pirates ahead of its imminent release. The film serves as a bit of a time capsule by taking viewers to the tail end of the 1990s, right at the peak of the Y2K craze that had people both worried and excited to ring in the new century. For three friends that serve as the main characters in Pirates, their journey to enter the year 2000 in the right way is to make it to the ultimate millennium party, no matter what it takes to make that happen. You can watch the clip below.
Pirates is written and directed by Reggie Yates. The film stars Elliot Edusah, Reda Elazouar, and Jordan Peters. You can read the official synopsis for the movie below.
"New Year’s Eve 1999. Cappo (Elliot Edusah), Two Tonne (Jordan Peters) and Kidda (Reda Elazouar) drive through London in their tiny Peugeot 205, pumping a live garage set from the stereo and arguing about their Avirex jackets and Naf Naf imports. As the eighteen-year olds step into adulthood they know their lives and friendships are on the brink of change. Determined to end the century on a bang they drive from place to place in a desperate search for tickets for the best millennium party EVER. In their efforts to end up somewhere, they end up closer together."
Pirates Director Reggie Yates Was Aiming for Accuracy with the Film's Vision of 1999
Because the film is set more than two decades in the past, director Reggie Yates had to go to some great lengths to ensure its accuracy. The filmmaker recalled his memories of the era in an interview with The Guardian and spoke about how the wardrobe was particularly important, as Yates can remember how distinct 90s clothing was at the time.
“What you wore was really important,” Yates explained, thinking back to what he wore in the 1990s to keep up with what was trendy. “People used to wear the tags still on their clothes to show that they were new. I remember I used to take the tag off, wash my clothing, and then put the tag back on before I wore it out again. If you had some Versace shades, you would wear them in the club, even though you couldn’t see a flippin’ thing. It was about looking the part.”
Stressing how the focus of the film is mostly on the bond between its three leads, Yates added, "I wanted to show what it looks like to have that level of a friendship between three young men of color, which isn’t based on anything other than love and joy – Black joy."
Pirates is set to be released On Digital and On Demand on April 1, 2022, courtesy of Gunpowder & Sky. Along with our exclusive clip above, you can catch another peek at the film by watching the official trailer below. You can also find out more about Pirates at the official website.