About the film
“Chungliang has found a way to explain ‘the hero’s journey’ to help others follow their bliss.”
Dramatic Beginnings
Original graphics by Avery Storms
Born in Shanghai on “Bloody Sunday” as Japanese bombs fell on the city, Chungliang faced adversity from the start. During World War II his family went into hiding and survival was uncertain. His grandmother’s advice became a north star to Chungliang that would guid his life’s work: “life a life of meaning and service to others…”
Dramatic Beginnings
Original graphics by Avery Storms
Born in Shanghai on “Bloody Sunday” as Japanese bombs fell on the city, Chungliang faced adversity from the start. During World War II his family went into hiding and survival was uncertain. His grandmother’s advice became a north star to Chungliang that would guid his life’s work: “life a life of meaning and service to others…”
Tai Ji Philosopher
Chungliang’s life took a transformative turn when he met the writer and Eastern philosopher Alan Watts, who introduced him to the Esalen institute in 1963.
It was Esalen within the development of the Human Potential Movement where Chungliang became a prominent Tai ji educator. He collaborated on books with Watts, conducted workshops with Joseph Campbell, Joan Baez, and Ram Dass, and developed deep friendships with the Dalai Lama and Jane Goodall as a colleague on the international stage.
Tai Ji Philosopher
Chungliang’s life took a transformative turn when he met the writer and Eastern philosopher Alan Watts, who introduced him to the Esalen institute in 1963.
It was Esalen within the development of the Human Potential Movement where Chungliang became a prominent Tai ji educator. He collaborated on books with Watts, conducted workshops with Joseph Campbell, Joan Baez, and Ram Dass, and developed deep friendships with the Dalai Lama and Jane Goodall as a colleague on the international stage.
Dancer
In America, Chungliang aspired to be an actor but with stereotyped roles for Asian actors in the 1950s he pivoted – a chance encounter with Sammy Davis Jr. led to a career in dance, touring with Davis and dancing with Martha Graham. Chungliang founded his own dance company, pioneering modern dance in America and Taiwan.
Dancer
In America, Chungliang aspired to be an actor but with stereotyped roles for Asian actors in the 1950s he pivoted – a chance encounter with Sammy Davis Jr. led to a career in dance, touring with Davis and dancing with Martha Graham. Chungliang founded his own dance company, pioneering modern dance in America and Taiwan.
A Master Teacher
At 87, Chungliang continues to lead workshops around the world, spreading his joy for movement and Eastern philosophy. He has inspired generations of students with his life, stories and experiences.
Chungliang shows us that one can age with wonder and grace.
This film is a powerful reminder of human capacity for resilience, metamorphosis and transformation.
A Master Teacher
At 87, Chungliang continues to lead workshops around the world, spreading his joy for movement and Eastern philosophy. He has inspired generations of students with his life, stories and experiences.
Chungliang shows us that one can age with wonder and grace.
This film is a powerful reminder of human capacity for resilience, metamorphosis and transformation.
American Film Foundation
American Film Foundation is a Santa Monica based non-profit production company that has produced both Academy and Emmy Award winning documentaries. The company’s projects range from theatrical documentary films and television series to dramatic feature films.
American Film Foundation has received three Academy Awards and ten Academy Award nominations, an Emmy award and two Emmy nominations.
