Taiwanese director Tsai Ming-liang is set to host a unique 10-hour screening of his experimental film series Walker in Los Angeles. This extraordinary event will take place this Sunday at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. Tsai aims to offer audiences a chance for deep immersion in his cinematic world, something he believes is rare in today’s fast-moving culture.
During a media event in Los Angeles, Tsai described the marathon screening as similar to taking a long-distance flight. He explained that the experience would transport viewers to another realm. Despite the film’s length, Tsai assured that audiences often find the time passes quickly, thanks to the film’s slow and contemplative nature.
The Walker series took 12 years to film and spans eight cities across the globe. Tsai’s longtime collaborator, actor Lee Kang-sheng, stars in the series. Lee walks barefoot through urban environments at an extremely slow pace. There is no dialogue or narration, inviting viewers to interpret the scenes freely. This approach encourages a deep immersion in both the visuals and the emotions evoked.
Supported by Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, and the American Cinematheque, this screening follows a well-received Tsai retrospective held last year. Tsai will attend the screening in person, providing commentary and engaging with viewers throughout the day.
Tsai likened Walker to a space between cinema and a museum exhibition. He urged audiences to not just watch but also feel and think. He explained that the series creates a closed-off world of solitude and reflection. This resonates with the film’s inspiration, the Tang dynasty monk Xuanzang, who journeyed 16 years to collect Buddhist scriptures.
Actor Lee Kang-sheng revealed that he walked at a pace of 25 seconds per step while filming. The physical challenge was intense, with extreme weather conditions adding to the difficulty. He described the project as a spiritual practice, encouraging viewers to experience the deep immersion the film offers as a way to calm the mind and reflect on life.
