Sanctuary explores queer spirituality and utopian sexualities through the figure of Purusha Androgyne Larkin (1934–1988), a monk, pioneering gay filmmaker, and self-proclaimed cosmic-erotic mystic. Larkin’s 1981 book, 'The Divine Androgyne According to Purusha', challenged repression with a spiritual vision rooted in eroticism and presented a radical path to cosmic-erotic consciousness through ‘extreme’ forms of sexual pleasure. Sanctuary explores Larkin's attempt to form a utopian, pleasure-based spiritual community, and considers the complex legacies of his ideas in queer culture. Shot on 16mm, the film weaves together the voices of Larkin’s friends and followers, creating a portrait in absentia of a figure ahead of his time.
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Cast
9 people
Sam Ashby Director · Mariah Garnett Cinematographer Pablo Mazzolo Editor
First release September 27, 2024 · Produced in United States, United Kingdom
Production
United States · United Kingdom
Produced in
Languages
Original language
English
Spoken on screen
English
Release dates
United Kingdom · September 27, 2024
Premiere
No release date listed for United States.
Canada
May 15, 2025 · Premiere
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