With support from the Ministry of Culture, Taiwan, the Taiwan Academy in Los Angeles and American Cinematheque proudly present the 2025 Tsai Ming-liang Retrospective Tour across the U.S. and Mexico. Renowned filmmaker Tsai Ming-liang and actor Lee Kang-sheng will join audiences in person for this rare cinematic journey, starting with a spotlight on the “Walker” series in Los Angeles from August 6 to 10.
The Walker series is an experimental film project that Tsai began in 2012. Combining performance art and Buddhist philosophy, the ten films are among the director’s most iconic works in recent years. In Los Angeles, the series will be screened in two venues. From August 6 to 8, Los Feliz 3 Theatre will host three evenings of screenings and post-film discussions. On August 10, the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica will present a full-day Walker Marathon, featuring all ten films in succession, including signature works such as No Form, Walker, Journey to the West, Sand, Where, and Abiding Nowhere. Tsai will be present throughout the program to offer live commentary and engage with the audience, creating a rare and immersive viewing experience.
Reflecting on the series, Tsai shared the following note:
“I want audiences to see that cinema holds endless possibilities.
When I was overwhelmed by the rules of narrative filmmaking and the pressures of the film industry, I discovered the slow-walking gesture in Lee Kang-sheng’s stage performance. It was graceful, powerful, and deeply moving. That moment inspired me to create something purely visual, centered on walking.
Step by step, we walked through eight cities over twelve years and completed ten films. These works have been shown at the Venice and Berlin film festivals, as well as at institutions like the Centre Pompidou and the Centre de la photographie in Geneva.
This series is a journey of both body and spirit. I hope the audience will walk this path with us.”
The Taiwan Academy in Los Angeles notes that Tsai’s distinctive cinematic style has earned widespread recognition at international festivals. This collaborative presentation with the American Cinematheque offers a rare opportunity for audiences in Southern California to engage deeply with the artistry and diversity of Taiwanese cinema. Notably, tickets for the August 10 Walker Marathon were nearly sold out within days of their release, and strong demand continues across all tour stops, reflecting the director’s ongoing influence in the global film community.
Screening Schedule (Pacific Time)
Venue 1: Los Feliz 3
1822 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
August 6 to August 8 | 7:00 PM each night
Post-screening discussions with the director and cast
Venue 2: Aero Theatre
1328 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
August 10 (Sunday) | 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Walker Series full marathon screening
Director Tsai Ming-liang will be present throughout the event
Full schedule and tickets:
www.americancinematheque.com/series/tsai-ming-liangs-walker-series