Some stories are worth telling, such as Felix Leu’s fascinating one. But given that he’s sadly no longer with us, it’s up to his beloved wife Loretta to narrate their globetrotter and freestyle art of living. In this film, there are also contributions from their sons and daughters, Filip, Ama, Aia, and Ajja, all artists, as well as from relatives and close friends.
“Felix, Dare to Dream” is an avant-garde, unconventional documentary about his untold adventures before and within tattooing. It is about staying true to your dreams while sailing the ocean of life.
Ajja created the music for the film.
Son of Swiss artist Eva Aeppli and stepchild of sculptor Jean Tinguely, Felix was a natural-born rebel who ran away from his father’s home at sixteen in 1961. He pursued travel, adventure, and art as rewarding pathways in life, first for himself and then together with his family. It was a crazy bohemian dream he could fulfill thanks to his meeting the painter Loretta Buscaglia in New York City in 1965 — love at first sight.
At times, they paid the price for going against social conventions. But despite occasional setbacks, they maintained their humor and joy for life; Felix and Loretta lived an exciting, alternative lifestyle.
By reducing their own needs, accepting life with fewer luxuries, and surviving thanks to their artistic skills, enjoying the present while nonetheless working hard for the future, living as free spirits but keeping the family tightly together, they proved something. Unconsciously, they were testifying that a free family could be a model of a free society.
From street beggar to eclectic artist, Felix only discovered tattooing in the late seventies. At first, it was a perfect resource to feed his family and support their traveling ways, but then he came to love it, fully embraced it, and became a charismatic inspiration to many young artists.
Two filmmakers, Morgan Bertacca and Valerio Bariletti, heard his story and decided to create this poetic film about Felix Leu and his family. It’s wonderful that it spotlights this unusual artist.
“Felix, Dare to Dream” will premiere at the Transylvania International Film Festival on June 16 and 17. Please check the Festival site for further information…
