Director:
Joey Garfield & Jacob Craycroft

Producers:
Zachary Mortensen
Joey Garfield
Jacob Craycroft

Breath Control: The History of the Human Beatbox premiered at the inaugural Tribeca Film Festival and went on to captivate audiences across every continent, screening at film festivals worldwide. This groundbreaking documentary traces the evolution of human beatboxing from its foundational beats in the 1980s Hip Hop scene to the complex, polyrhythmic artistry of modern masters like Rahzel and Skratch from The Roots. Featuring legendary pioneers Doug E. Fresh, Wise, Biz Markie, and The Fat Boys, the film reveals how this uniquely human art form has shaped and been shaped by musical culture.

But Breath Control ventures beyond Hip Hop’s borders, exploring how beatboxing transcends genre and geography. Through the lens of artist Zap Mama and voices from diverse cultural traditions, the documentary unveils beatboxing as a universal language—an ancient practice refined by cultures around the globe. Part historical journey, part instructional guide, the film celebrates humans as living, breathing instruments capable of extraordinary musical expression.

After two decades of festival acclaim, Breath Control is finally preparing for its long-awaited commercial release in 2026, marking the film’s 25th anniversary and bringing this essential piece of music history to audiences everywhere.