The sound born in the outskirts of Caracas at the end of the 90s reaches today the international electronic music circuits and, now, also to the big screen. The Raptor House genre, creation of the DJ and producer Pedro Elías Corroknown artistically as DJ Babatrwill be the protagonist of the documentary ‘This It’s Raptor House‘, which will have its world premiere in In-Edit Barcelona 2025one of the reference festivals for musical documentary film.
A genre born in the periphery
The Raptor House originated in the matineesmassive daytime parties in neighborhoods like Catia, Las Lomas, La Cota or Petare, where thousands of young people gathered to fast-paced bass drums and Latin rhythms. Its distribution, based mainly on pirated CDs, quickly placed it under the scrutiny of the Venezuelan authorities, who ended up stigmatizing it and linking it to marginal culture.
In 2008, the closure of these events forced Babatr to temporarily withdraw from the scene. However, the Venezuelan diaspora and online circulation revived interest in this sound, propelling it from the peripheries of Caracas to the global sphere.
From censorship to recognition
The documentary resumes the narrative already begun with the short Let’s go Pal Matinee (2017), directed by Roberto Lopezwho now returns with a feature film that analyzes the international evolution of the Raptor House and its sociocultural relevance. “As a Venezuelan, reliving the impact of changa culture in 2023 reminded me why this story deserves to be told: the creator of the Raptor House today challenges stigmas from the cabins of the world”points out Roberto Lopez Buschbeckdirector of the film and co-founder of the production company Morning Coffeeresponsible for the work.
With a duration of 76 minutesthe documentary was filmed between Spain and Venezuela between 2023 and 2025. The photography direction is in charge of Julietta Luttiwhile the assembly was carried out by Alejandra Mejías, Roberto López and Ezequiel Monjes. The film combines archival material from matinees, interviews with DJs and scenes recorded in some of the most influential stages of international electronic music. “Nothing tells a story better than the culture in which it is born… Babatr’s sets, with their highs and lows, with their vocals and their silences, but above all with that unmatched electricity that always invites us to listen”adds Gabriela Gardinicreative director of the project.
International expansion
In recent years, the Raptor House has gained space in the global electronics conversation. DJ Babatr has been featured on platforms such as Boiler Room of the Primavera Soundin legendary clubs like Berghain (Berlin) and The Basement (Madrid)and at high-impact festivals such as DGTL, Dekmantel and Dour Festival. He has shared a booth with artists like Tekilatex either DJ Gigolawhile figures of massive scope, such as Peggy Gouhave included themes of the genre in their sets.
Critical recognition has also been relevant: Mixmag placed Babatr among the 25 producers who defined 2023while media like Resident Advisor either Crack Magazine They have highlighted his contribution to contemporary electronic music. “This documentary not only portrays the sound of a genre, but the living pulse of a generation that resisted and expressed itself when there were no platforms, only passion, CDs and rebellion”he states Augusto José Alvarado Domínguezexecutive producer of the film.
An evolving movement
Beyond its origin, the Raptor House continues to transform in the hands of new generations. Artists like DJ Deep RH, LVOT either Ark They have contributed to keeping it active on the international scene. In Spain, Toccororo DJ He has incorporated it into his hybrids that mix Latin electronics and guaracha. Their influence also extends to bands like Rawayanawhich explored the genre in Veneka ft. Akapellahas well as recent projects such as Famasloop (Most likely, who knows2022) or Yajaira La Beyaca & Genosidra (VNK3K2023), demonstrating that sound continues to be a reference for Venezuelan musical culture.
A necessary story
This is Raptor House reconstructs the journey of a genre that refused to disappear, from its birth in the Caracas neighborhoods to its arrival at international clubs and festivals. The project, developed by Roberto López Buschbeck, Augusto José Alvarado Domínguez and Gabriela Gardini, develops a narrative that rescues a history repressed for years and today recognized as an active part of global culture. This creative trio worked together from the beginning, intertwining research, aesthetics and narrative.
The premiere in In-Edit Barcelona 2025a festival with more than two decades of experience and one of the main references for musical documentaries in Latin America, marks a milestone for a story whose impact continues to be written between memory, the dance floor and resistance.
