Editorial
69-Year-Old Woman Goes To Her First Rave In ‘Judgement’ Documentary
North Carolina-based startup WhatsNextPresents redefines age and self-expression in Judgement, a short film about a 69-year-old woman’s first rave experience.
North Carolina-based startup WhatsNextPresents is breaking boundaries of age, fear, and self-expression with their new short film, ‘Judgement’. The 13-minute documentary story follows Trudy, a 69-year-old woman who attends her first rave, and in doing so, rediscovers connection, community, and courage.
For much of her life, Trudy lived quietly, letting anxiety and self-doubt dictate her choices. She missed milestone events, from family weddings to her 50th high school reunion, because social anxiety held her back. But when an unexpected invitation to a rave came her way, something inside her said “yes.”
‘Judgement’ beautifully captures Trudy’s transformation, showing her confronting anxiety and depression while connecting with the EDM community, where the values of PLUR – Peace, Love, Unity, Respect – create an environment of support for her throughout her concert experience.
Behind the scenes, WhatsNextPresents worked with local artists and businesses to make the experience truly authentic. FOUND Clothing styled Trudy’s festival outfit with the help of associate Sarah Melton, while Charlotte-based makeup artist April Hill brought confidence and color to her final look.
Gavyn Kanipe, producer, writer, assistant director, and founder of WhatsNextPresents, reflects on the project:
“This film is everything I feel when I’m part of the EDM community. People often think electronic music is just loud noise, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about emotion, connection, and creating spaces where anyone can feel like they belong. Trudy and I hadn’t seen each other in over a year, and I knew how much anxiety had kept her from living fully. I just wanted to give her a night where she could be free, have fun, and feel the love I feel in this community. Seeing her dance, smile, and be embraced by everyone around her – it was honestly magical. If there’s one thing this film shows, it’s that it’s never to listen to others who tell you that you can’t do something.”
From a filmmaker’s perspective, Colin M. Smith, said:
“Being apart of this film as the director and DP was a blast. I grew up as an EDM fan when I was young, but never experienced what a show or rave was.
Getting to know Trudy throughout filming and getting to capture this moment for her was something I will never forget.
She’s a constant reminder that the societal stigma of “being to old” is, in and of itself, an old concept. No matter the age, you can always chase after new experiences, expand your interests, and always connect with a community.”
Adding to that, Richard Ngo, editor of ‘Judgement’, shared his thoughts on the film’s deeper meaning:
“Judgement is a film that I’m so proud to have worked on. Trudy’s story is one that we see often in those hesitant to join the rave community, and in today’s age where social media is accessible to everyone, I’m glad a piece like this can show how welcoming the rave scene can be to people of all ages.
Beyond raving, this story is about overcoming trauma, learning to fully love and appreciate oneself, and understanding how beautiful and fulfilling friendships can be in the human experience.
I look forward to seeing Judgement make its way around the internet in the coming weeks.”
‘Judgement’ was made possible by a passionate team of creators, including Gavyn Kanipe, Colin M. Smith, Richard Ngo, Schuyler Wang, Olivia DeJesus, Brigh Johnston, Sarah Melton, April Hill, Ethansroom, and Adam Summey, each contributing to a story that’s equal parts human and hopeful.
Ultimately, ‘Judgement’ isn’t just about one woman’s night out. It’s a powerful reflection on second chances, community, and the universal language of dance music, proving that it’s never too late to find joy, connection, and freedom on the dancefloor.
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