A Body to Live In

A Body to Live In is a documentary that explores the development of body modification, BDSM performance art, and the modern primitives cultural movement. The film focuses on the life and work of artist Fakir Musafar and the communities he influenced. Using archival footage and interviews with queer and artistic pioneers, the narrative examines how ritual, pain, and physical transformation served as means of survival and self-expression. It traces the evolution of this global subculture from its early secret gatherings through a period of spiritual change and the impact of the AIDS crisis.

The film was written and directed by Angelo Madsen, following his 2024 work One Night at Babes. Produced by Cinereach, Catapult Film Fund, and Hard Flow, the production features contributions from figures such as Annie Sprinkle, Ron Athey, Cléo Dubois, and Yossie Silverman. Archival footage also includes appearances by Fakir Musafar and Genesis P-Orridge. Released in the United States on November 15, 2025, the documentary has a runtime of 98 minutes.