The church of disco existed in a basement, and Larry Levan was its prophet.
Maestro, tells the story of how a group of people found refuge and a call for life outside the mainstream. What evolved was a scene that set the ground work for what was to come in dance music culture worldwide, a rare insight into the secret underground world. It's the first time this story is told in a motion Picture, included in the film are pioneer dance music DJs and producers, "founding fathers", its center being Larry Levan, as well as high-profile DJs of today. Opting for a more personal and candid approach, MAESTRO shows the true history of the people through a realistic creative aesthetic. Tracing the underground's dance origin, MAESTRO brings out a real understanding of this intense lifestyle, and the lives they lived and died for. Written by Anonymous
Direction
Candid interviews feel like stolen confessions.
Production
Archival footage so raw you can smell the sweat.
Sound
Levan's Paradise Garage mixes finally preserved.
Director
Josell Ramos
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Larry Levan's actual turntables and mixer were destroyed in a flood after his death, making this footage some of the only documentation of his specific technique.
The Paradise Garage operated without a liquor license—its 'juice bar' workaround allowed the all-night dancing that alcohol laws would have killed.
US
