A Swiss Journey to the Shaolin Temple
52-minute documentary for RSI's Storie program.
We are happy that Storie is returning on air and proud to contribute to its relaunch with our film. The documentary follows the journey of Cosimo Wolf Arnese, a Ticino-born martial artist with Italian and Native American roots. From an early fascination with martial arts during a childhood trip to India, to years of training and sacrifice, his path leads him to the legendary Shaolin Temple in China. There, Cosimo forged a bond with the monks and became the youngest Shaolin master to found a school in Europe. At 31, he now faces the greatest challenge of his life: the once-in-a-decade exam to become a Shaolin monk.
Only two Europeans in history have achieved this title. The film accompanies him from Ticino to China and back, capturing a story of resilience, identity, and the pursuit of balance between strength and inner peace. With stunning imagery from the landscapes of Ticino and the ancient courtyards of the Shaolin Temple, the documentary is not only about a personal journey. It is also about the encounter of cultures and the timeless search for meaning.
Directed by Kevin Merz and Felix A. Bachmann, Generative Center.