11-08-2025, 09:04 AM
This is a documentary on Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, who I recently interviewed for Sutra, a Shaolin dance fusion that I’ve been wanting to see for 17+ years. It was cancelled due to ‘injuries’ but my Shaolin intel says it was because the monks never made it out of PRC. Whether they were stopped by the new abbot, the chicoms, or the US remains a mystery. The booby prize was getting press passes to this film being shown as part of the SF dance film festival.
I got there early and scored the perfect parking spot a block away with the intention of hitting up a taqueria beforehand. The mission did not disappoint. Had a chile rellano that was one of the best I’ve ever tasted (chile rellanos are my go-to so I’ve eaten many of them). Mission taquerias are next level and make me wonder what the hell is going on with the mediocre Mexican food I eat elsewhere.
The showing was at the Brava theater, a lovely old dilapidated house that the community is working to restore. Patrick joined me and we caught up on stuff. It was good to reconnect.
The doc was brilliant. What a story, so well told, so beautiful. It juggled themes of Larbi’s obsessive neurosis, his artistic genius, his struggles & triumphs, with glimpses into his stunning works and exhausting process. I was glad that my interview covered several key touch points because I did not research him beforehand and didn’t know his work with Madonna & Beyoncé which were minor mentions in this doc. The Shaolin portion was pivotal but also just a chapter in his extraordinary life.
It was a wonderful evening and I'm grateful for it. Once again, following Shaolin opened a completely new doorway i never would’ve expected.
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