“A brief history of Backpacking Hostels through the eyes of the people who made them Famous.”
Hostels have been a part of our society for decades. From the aftermath of war and a continent in need of reconstruction, to today’s hyper-connected lives where phones are an extension of who we are, these spaces have helped shape the world as we know it.
“Like It’s 1995” tells this story. It is a tale of resilience, passion, and adventure, seen through the eyes of Europe’s most legendary hostels and the visionaries who built them. The documentary explores what it takes to turn dreams into reality, following pioneers who created something truly innovative and, in doing so, shaped not only their cities but also everyone who dared to pick up a backpack and venture into the unknown.
By combining in-depth interviews with original hostel founders, rare archival footage, and the real-time journeys of intrepid travelers, the film explores what backpacking was like before hostels existed in Europe and how the movement grew into a global phenomenon. It documents how the community survived a global pandemic and reflects on the future of travel in a world where AI is becoming increasingly present. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that human connection and community remain essential, and that hostels will always be there to offer a safe bed and a reassuring smile.
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Créditos
CREDITS DIRECTION & SCREENPLAY: Bas Booij PRODUCTION: Vinícius Alkmim, Zoë Bowthorpe, Rafaelle Filipini EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Vinícius Alkmim WRITER: Bas Booij DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Bas Booij CAMERA OPERATORS: Bas Booij, Jair Mahazri SOUND RECORDIST: Bas Booij EDITOR & COLORIST: Bas Booij SOUND DESIGN: Tim Roe NARRATOR: Bas Booij INTERVIEWS: Zoë Bowthorpe ARCHIVAL RESEARCH: Vinícius Alkmim, Zoë Bowthorpe ARCHIVE FOOTAGE COURTESY OF: Europe’s Famous Hostels, Villa Saint Exupéry Beach Hostel, Zeus Is Loose Hostel, Rising Cock Hostel, Flying Pig Amsterdam, Room Hostel Rotterdam. SHOOTING LOCATIONS: Latroupe La Granja (Bilbao), Yoho Hostel (Salzburg), Balmers Hostel (Interlaken), Sunflower Beach Hostel (Rimini), Eurail Headquarters (Utrecht), Flix Headquarters (Milan), Mews Offices (Amsterdam), Kabul Party Hostel (Barcelona), Flying Pig (Amsterdam), Hostel Room (Rotterdam).