Meet Gerald Barclay. co-Director of A WU-TANG EXPERIENCE: LIVE AT RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATRE
Written by Sage Battle
What goes into making a ‘Wu-Tang experience’? Director Gerald Barclay gives us a history of his relationship with the Wu-Tang Clan and details his experience Co-directing ‘A WU-TANG EXPERIENCE: LIVE AT RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATRE’ with RZA. This read will give you insight into what it means to honor both filmmaking and the legacy of hip-hop.
Designed by Brandon Lim
Capturing the Magic of Red Rocks
Still from the film
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an awe-inspiring setting for any performance, but for the Wu-Tang Clan, it the showcase transcended genre, where hip-hop married an orchestra. Gerald Barclay, who has been a part of Wu-Tang’s journey since the 1980’s, understood the significance of this moment. Initially, he was simply asked to capture the concert, but as the project evolved, he realized there was a larger story to tell the world.
I was intrigued by the entire process. Gerald explained the technical challenges and creative decisions that went into filming at Red Rocks. “We used NFL-style cable cams and 360 cameras to capture perspectives that fans would never experience live,” he shared. The cinematography was designed to go beyond typical concert footage, capturing sweeping shots of the crowd, the DJ’s turntables, and even the city lights in the background. By combining intimate close-ups with expansive drone shots, Gerald wanted to give audiences an immersive experience that reflects the scale and energy of the event.
In our interview, Gerald expressed excitement about The Wu-Tang Experience premiering on PBS, noting how this partnership could introduce hip hop’s rich history to a broader audience. He shared that PBS's reach allows the documentary to connect with viewers who may not be familiar with Wu-Tang’s legacy or hip hop's evolution. While PBS will air a slightly edited version, Gerald is ensuring that pre-release screenings capture the raw, immersive experience. For him, the PBS premiere is a significant step toward cementing hip hop’s cultural impact and furthering the appreciation of its artistic depth across diverse audiences. This adds some weight to the importance of supporting documentary work at the pre-screening level- especially because of the streaming friendly world we reside in currently.
"Hip Hop is the only truly authentic movement in this country."
"Hip Hop is the only truly authentic movement in this country."
Gerald Barclay at NC Black Film Festival in Wilmington 2024
Photo by RMB Shoots
A Brotherhood Revisited
For Gerald, this project was also personal. He described his intricate relationship with the Wu-Tang Clan, whom he considers family. Having documented the group since the ’90s, he has witnessed every phase of their journey. He was there during their small-club performances in the early days, through their global rise and, more recently, their evolution into orchestral collaborations under the artistic direction of Wu-Tang’s RZA.
“The fact that we went from a small DJ setup to performing with a full orchestra in front of thousands of fans shows how far hip hop has come,” he noted. While the documentary captures the grandeur of the event, it also dives into the evolution of the Clan’s music, with RZA moving into classical compositions. This collaboration speaks to Wu-Tang’s willingness to experiment and adapt, something that has always set them apart.
Photos courtesy of Gerald Barclay
Hip Hop’s Resilience and Global Reach
Through this documentary, Gerald also wanted to explore the universal appeal of hip hop. “Hip hop represents the rebellious approach, the survival spirit,” he said. “It’s a movement that speaks to people from all backgrounds and across generations.” From American cities to the Middle East and Japan, hip hop has transcended cultural barriers, something Gerald has experienced firsthand. “I’ve seen kids freestyle in ciphers around the world, and even if I didn’t understand the language, I understood the attitude,” he reflected.
This ability to unite people globally is, in Gerald’s view, one of hip hop’s most powerful attributes. He emphasized that even those outside of the genre can appreciate this documentary, as it offers insights into hip hop’s history, philosophy, and its influence on today’s pop culture.
"'Hip-Hop Can Adapt"
"'Hip-Hop Can Adapt"
Looking to the Future
The overwhelming response to The Wu-Tang Experience in cities like LA, Toronto, and New York has proven to Gerald that audiences are hungry for thoughtful explorations of hip hop’s cultural roots. He’s optimistic about taking the documentary international, with plans to screen it in places like Paris, Germany, and Dubai. Gerald speaks truth to how hip-hop transcends language and welcomes the next phase of the film’ dissemination internationally.
For Gerald, the documentary represents more than a concert—it’s a tribute to a genre that has shaped his life and millions of others. “Hip hop’s story needs to be told over and over, especially to younger generations who may not know the pioneers,” he said. As he looks to the future, Gerald hopes The Wu-Tang Experience will serve as a reminder of hip hop’s resilience, adaptability, and boundless potential.
In an era where hip hop’s identity and influence is almost exclusively historicized, The Wu-Tang Experience stands as a celebration of its history and a hopeful glance at its future in its grandeur. For Gerald, this project is both a personal journey and a tribute to the genre that made him who he is—a filmmaker, a storyteller, and a lifelong advocate of hip hop. It is critical to honor screenings that embody authenticity, and The Wu-Tang Experience truly punches through barriers by showcasing resistance through renaissance.