“Desire: The Carl Craig Story” Debuts at Tribeca Film Festival with an Exploration of Detroit Techno’s Pioneer

Techno Transcendence: Carl Craig’s Influence Explored in New Documentary

Summary

• The Tribeca Film Festival will showcase the world premiere of “Desire: The Carl Craig Story” from June 5-16, 2024.
• Directed by Jean-Cosme Delaloye, this documentary highlights the journey of Carl Craig, a prominent figure in Detroit techno music.
• The film explores Craig’s rise to international fame, navigating obstacles and revolutionizing the genre.
• It will be screened on June 12, 2024, at The Indeed Theater in Spring Studios, with additional screenings on June 13 and 15.
• “Desire” provides a deep insight into Craig’s life, the evolution of his music amidst Detroit’s decline and revival, and his impact on various music and art platforms.
• Featuring interviews with Gilles Peterson, Roni Size, and Laurent Garnier, this documentary promises to captivate techno and electronic music enthusiasts.
• Produced by Bord Cadre Films and Sovereign Films, the film receives support from the Swiss Federal Office of Culture and Cinéforom.

The Tribeca Film Festival, happening June 5-16, 2024, is thrilled to announce the world premiere of “Desire: The Carl Craig Story”, a detailed documentary by Jean-Cosme Delaloye spotlighting Carl Craig, a monumental figure in Detroit techno music. This feature has been chosen to grace the Festival’s Spotlight+ section, showcasing Craig’s revolutionary approach to techno from his modest beginnings to his international fame while navigating numerous obstacles.

Scheduled for its first showing at Tribeca on June 12, 2024, at 8pm at The Indeed Theater within Spring Studios, the film will also have a press and industry screening on June 13, followed by public screenings on June 13 and 15. “Desire: The Carl Craig Story” paints a profound picture of Carl Craig’s life, his music’s evolution against the decline and revival of Detroit, and his impact across various music and art platforms.

Growing up in a middle-class African American household, Carl was encouraged in his creative ambitions, diverging from the family’s traditional emphasis on academic pursuits. His innovative techno beats, which drew inspiration from diverse music styles, have made significant marks in venues like the Montreux Jazz Festival and Carnegie Hall, and even in art exhibitions such as MOCA in Los Angeles and Dia Beacon in New York. Despite achieving peak creative success, Craig faces personal challenges that threaten his presence on the dance floor.

The documentary includes insights from figures like Gilles Peterson, Roni Size, and Laurent Garnier, who have contributed to the widespread appreciation of techno and electronic music.

Produced by Dan Wechsler of Bord Cadre Films, Switzerland, and Andreas Roald of Sovereign Films, the U.K., “Desire” is made with support from the Federal Office of Culture (Switzerland) and Cinéforom (Geneva). Carl Craig stands as a multi-faceted pioneer, having formed Planet E Communications. This label celebrates over three decades of music that spans hip-hop to funk, avoiding the conventional to focus on innovation. With six LPs and over 600 remixes to his name, including Grammy-nominated work, Craig continues to influence the electronic music scene profoundly.

Carl Craig’s enduring legacy in music and his unwavering dedication to innovation underscore “Desire: The Carl Craig Story”, making it a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike who gather at the Tribeca Film Festival to celebrate his trailblazing career.