Hip Hop beats vs Cult Classics! Can I Kick It? screens cult classics and contemporary martial arts/action favorites while DJ 2-Tone Jones live scores the film, scene-by-scene, with a blend of genres such as hip hop, soul, and funk.
Dev Patel’s explosive directorial debut
Get ready to experience the thrilling and thought-provoking debut film from Dev Patel, Monkey Man. Presented in partnership with Can I Kick It, this screening features Jordan Peele’s unmistakable touch as producer, ensuring a unique cinematic experience that blends edge-of-your-seat action with sharp social commentary.
Set in the underbelly of modern-day India, Monkey Man tackles themes of corruption, caste, and resilience, offering a rich narrative that transcends borders. The story follows Kid, a recently released convict navigating a society riddled with inequality and unrest. The film’s dynamic action sequences are infused with cultural depth, while its raw exploration of societal structures resonates universally.
Behind the scenes, Monkey Man was a labor of passion and perseverance for Dev Patel, who overcame immense challenges—from breaking multiple bones during filming to nearly losing the film to studio shelving. It was Jordan Peele who championed its release, seeing in Patel’s work a powerful statement reminiscent of the bold cinema of the ’80s and ’90s.
Join us for this extraordinary screening, where live music and a curated soundtrack by Can I Kick It will enhance the intensity and emotion of this groundbreaking action-drama. Don’t miss the chance to see why Monkey Man earned a standing ovation at SXSW 2024 and why it’s hailed as “demanding to be on the big screen.”
Creative Alliance’s film program is sponsored in part by the Maryland Film Office.