Desire: The Carl Craig Story – Watch the trailer for the new documentary

An intimate portrait of legendary techno producer, DJ, and record label creator Carl Craig—and an ode to his beloved city, Detroit—Sovereign Films will release DESIRE: The Carl Craig Story across the UK and Ireland on 8th May 2025.

Making its world premiere at Tribeca in 2024, Jean-Cosme Delaloye’s feature chronicles Craig’s rise from a middle-class household in Detroit to global acclaim as a genre-defying artist. Set against the backdrop of Detroit’s urban decline, the film offers a unique perspective on Craig’s groundbreaking contributions to music.

Now, four decades into his career, and still one of the world’s premier and most in-demand DJs and producers, Craig has also branched out into the visual arts world, with recent acclaimed exhibitions at MOCA in Los Angeles and Dia Beacon in New York. Yet, as the documentary reveals, success often comes with challenges, and at the height of his creativity and popularity, Carl Craig faces personal and professional obstacles that could threaten his return to the dance floor.

Featuring a wealth of footage from Craig’s electrifying performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival to iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, along with candid interviews with Craig, his family, friends, and peers such as Gilles Peterson and Laurent Garnier, the documentary paints an honest portrait of an artist navigating the intersection of fame, legacy, and self-preservation.

“The crew and I followed Carl all over the world at a breakneck pace. We got to see the other side of the party, when the lights go out in the club and Carl only has a few hours to rest before heading to the next event. We were afforded full access to an artist whose humility rivals his creativity.” Jean-Cosme Delaloye

Desire: The Carl Craig Story made its UK premiere as part of Glasgow Film Festival 2025.