On January 28, 2027, Paris will host a special screening of "Felix, Dare to Dream," a documentary exploring the life of Felix Leu, an artist, traveler, and one of the pioneers of modern tattooing.
More than just a film screening, the event will bring together the history of the legendary Leu family, their artistic legacy, and a period that helped transform how tattooing was understood and recognized as an art form.
Directed by Morgan Bertacca and Valerio Bariletti, the documentary follows a man for whom freedom was never simply an abstract ideal, but a way of life.
Felix Leu grew up surrounded by the European art scene of the 1960s, experienced the counterculture movement, and traveled extensively before discovering tattooing in the late 1970s. What began as a craft gradually developed into a distinctive form of artistic expression. Leu Family Iron, established by the Leu family, eventually became one of the most recognizable names in international tattoo culture.
At the heart of the documentary is not only Felix's career, but also the story of his family. Together with his wife, Loretta, he chose a life outside conventional expectations, raising their children in an environment shaped by creativity, travel, and independence. Spanning several decades, their story explores how personal convictions, art, and tattooing can shape the lives of an entire family.
"Felix, Dare to Dream" premiered in 2024 at the Transilvania International Film Festival in Romania. Since then, the documentary has traveled through international film festivals and independent cinemas. By 2026, it had been screened more than 30 times across several countries, including Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, the United States, and South Africa.
One of its notable achievements was winning the Audience Award at London's Doc'n Roll Film Festival in 2025. Distributed primarily through independent screenings, the film reflects the same spirit of freedom and independence that defined Felix Leu's life. Now Paris joins this international journey, a city whose artistic environment was closely connected to the tattoo artist's early years.
More Than a Film Screening: An Exhibition and the History of the Tattoo Renaissance
The Paris screening will be part of a special cultural evening. Alongside the documentary, organizers are preparing a small exhibition dedicated to the Leu family, offering visitors a closer look at their history and artistic legacy.
The program will also feature a presentation by Sarra Mezhoud, who will introduce the history of the Tattoo Renaissance, a period marked by the artistic transformation of tattooing and its growing recognition beyond the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship.
Where and When Will the Screening Take Place?
The screening will take place on January 28, 2027, in Paris, with the support of the French cinema group Cinémas Dulac. The exact venue and ticket information will be announced at a later date.
The organizers have also expressed their gratitude to those who have helped bring the project to life, including Felix's wife, Loretta Leu, filmmakers Morgan Bertacca and Valerio Bariletti, as well as L'Observatoire du Tatouage, Karl Marc, and Monkey.
Directors: Morgan Bertacca and Valerio Bariletti.
Screening format: Original-language version with French subtitles (VOSTFR).
