21/02/2024 - Philipp Fussenegger and Judy Landkammer’s doc captures the journey of Merrill Nisker leading her to become the acclaimed cultural powerhouse Peaches

The documentary Teaches of Peaches [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Philipp Fussenegger, Judy L…
film profile], directed by Philipp Fussenegger and co-directed by Judy Landkammer, is having its world premiere in the Panorama strand of the 74th Berlinale.

Filmed during “The Teaches of Peaches Anniversary Tour” in 2022, this documentary weaves together exclusive archival gems with dynamic tour footage capturing the transformative journey of Canadian Merrill Nisker into the internationally acclaimed cultural powerhouse Peaches. From the inception of the stage show to the rigorous rehearsals and riveting performances, the film provides an intimate look at the inner workings of a tour led by this beloved and globally celebrated icon.

As a feminist musician, producer, director and performance artist, Peaches has spent over two decades challenging gender stereotypes, solidifying her status alongside pop and music industry icons. Her fearless originality has challenged social norms, dismantled stereotypes and confronted patriarchal power structures. Through biting wit, she advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights, and tackles issues of gender and sexual identity, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.

The picture also stars Leslie Feist, Chilly Gonzales, Shirley Manson, Charlie Le Mindu and Black Cracker.

Fussenegger and Landkammer tell Cineuropa: “This film is a tribute to an outstanding artist and personality. Our biggest challenge was to create neither a classic tour film nor a classic biography, but rather a parallel narrative in which Peaches’ story and her development are clearly worked out without becoming nostalgic, while there is still a momentum to look at the present and the future of Peaches.

“Teaches of Peaches is an audiovisual experience that not only captures her artistic diversity, but also tells of the ever-expanding cosmos and development of a pioneer of queer, intersectional and sex-positive feminism. She broke down gender stereotypes and patriarchal power structures in pop music, paving the way for many who followed. We hope to not only appeal to Peaches’ existing fans, but also inspire new viewers who are not yet familiar with Peaches for her music and everything she fights for.”

Teaches of Peaches was produced by Cordula Kablitz-Post for avanti media fiction (Germany) in co-operation with Kathrin Brinkmann for ZDF/arte. Farbfilm Verleih will be releasing the film in German theatres, while Magnetfilm is in charge of its international sales.

Check out our exclusive trailer below: