A Paradise Garage film is in production
The story of one of the most iconic venues in dance music history
A film chronicling the history of the Paradise Garage is currently in production with Jonathan Ullman set to direct.
The legendary venue, which operated from 1977 to 1987, played an integral role in laying the foundation for dance music culture and allowed the scene’s key players to innovate with eclectic styles of disco and house.
The forthcoming film, aptly titled Paradise Garage, will detail how the venue served as a sanctuary for its members, namely those of the LGBT community. The piece revolves around the complicated relationship between Paradise Garage owner Michael Brody and club resident Larry Levan.
Coming into development 23 years after Levan's untimely death, the film cites and celebrates the artist's continued influence and legacy.
“Throughout his life Larry travelled a road that no one had taken before,” says Ullman on the artist, who will be at the heart of the new film. “Never afraid to take chances, it was his fearlessness as a DJ and remixer that has endeared him to generations of fans around the world, including myself."
Paradise Garage's Larry Levan will be portrayed by British actor Kobna Holdbrook-Smith.
Director Jonathan Ullman also released a mini-documentary celebrating the Paradise Garage movement back in 2014. Watch below.
Harrison is Mixmag's East Coast Editor. Follow him on Twitter here