AKA Mr. Chow

With his signature circular glasses and mustache, Michael Chow is an exuberant force at the crossroads between eccentricity and sophistication. The famed restaurateur defined “The Moment” with the openings of Mr. Chow, the bustling upscale Chinese eateries that attracted the glitterati of Swingin’ London, 70s Hollywood, and post Studio 54 New York. Yes, there’s Andy Warhol and Basquiat, friends and admirers, glitz and glamor, but Nick Hooker’s intimate portrait extends far greater, poignant depths: revealing a humorous, keenly self-aware artist searching for identity and home. Now in his 80s, but vibrant as ever, Chow leads us through the story of his life: the only Chinese immigrant at a boarding school in England, Chow’s resolve to build “The New China” is nothing short of cinematic adventure. (Telluride Film Festival)