Thoth

This short film can be watched here; Thoth (2002) Street performer and free spirit, Stephan Kaufman, performs sings and send his positive energy out into the universe under the name of Thoth. His performance style is a blend of many world music styles, opera, and his own unique freestyle. I don't think I have ever seen a performer quite like him. He is enigmatic. This documentary by Sarah Kernochan shows some of his performance in Central Park and other areas around New York City (or prayformances, as he calls them) and tries to explore the many influences and forces that make Thoth the complex person who he is. As the camera pans across the faces of the crowd watching his performance, many are locked in a stare, mouth open, unable to really wrap their heads around what they are witnessing. I felt that way for most of the 40 minutes of this film. Thoth is still active at age 72, spreading his message of peace and acceptance--though no longer daily. He did eventually get together with his life partner, Lila'Angelique, and they often perform together. Information about his work and life can be found on his official website: Thoth: Walkabout Prayformance This film won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject in 2002. This film is part of my attempt to watch all of the Short Film Documentary Academy Award Winners.

This short film can be watched here; Thoth (2002) Street performer and free spirit, Stephan Kaufman, performs sings and send his positive energy out into the universe under the name of Thoth. His performance style is a blend of many world music styles, opera, and his own unique freestyle. I don't think I have ever seen a performer quite like him. He is enigmatic. This documentary by Sarah Kernochan shows some of his performance in Central Park and other areas around New York City (or prayformances, as he calls them) and tries to explore the many influences and forces that make Thoth the complex person who he is. As the camera pans across the faces of the crowd watching his performance, many are locked in a stare, mouth open, unable to really wrap their heads around what they are witnessing. I felt that way for most of the 40 minutes of this film. Thoth is still active at age 72, spreading his message of peace and acceptance--though no longer daily. He did eventually get together with his life partner, Lila'Angelique, and they often perform together. Information about his work and life can be found on his official website: Thoth: Walkabout Prayformance This film won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject in 2002. This film is part of my attempt to watch all of the Short Film Documentary Academy Award Winners.