Monk's Slow Walk Through Spain Redefines Cinema

Director Tsai Ming-liang's "Dust," the 11th film in his "Walker" series, recently debuted at the Venice and San Sebastian Film Festivals. It features a barefoot monk, portrayed by Lee Kang-sheng, traversing Spain, including locations like La Concha and Peine del Viento in San Sebastian.

Launched in 2012, the series captures Lee Kang-sheng walking in near-stillness through various cities, tracing how a place is experienced over time. Tsai was inspired by Lee's slow walk in a decade-old stage production, finding power in its non-narrative, pure visual expression and slowness.

Spain became a focus through a co-production partner, with Tsai drawn to Basque landscapes, stone houses, and the dramatic coastline. He views slowness as a method for audiences to quiet themselves and truly observe, calling it a form of rebellion against conventional cinema.

Having previously filmed in Taipei, Hong Kong, Malaysia, France, Japan, and the US, the Walker series now explores Spain. Tsai sees the Walker as an instrument for reading a place, with Lee's stoic presence highlighting each city's unique atmosphere and pace.

Tsai and Lee have collaborated for over 30 years, with the series documenting Lee's physical changes and aging. Tsai considers it a document of life revealed through prolonged observation, calling his ongoing collaboration with Lee a gift.

This return to Venice, where Tsai won the Golden Lion in 1994 for "Vive L'Amour," highlights his continued exploration of cinema's expressive potential beyond storytelling. He advocates for cinemas to embrace diverse forms, including his non-fiction, non-narrative "Walker" series.

Tsai notes a growing audience segment receptive to more demanding work. Despite using international crews, including a Spanish team for "Dust," his artistic vision remains consistent. The "Walker" project is expected to continue until either he or Lee Kang-sheng can no longer participate.

Looking ahead, Tsai aims to work again with past collaborators on a film that blurs the lines of narrative. He acknowledges his reduced energy with age but remains dedicated to exploring cinema's boundaries.