The Man Will Burn
A Documentary about Burning Man — the Event in Black Rock City and the Global Creative Culture
The Man Will Burn documentary series features the artists, builders, and participants of the global Burning Man cultural movement. Filmed over five years, the series highlights the impact of participating in Black Rock City at a moment when many are asking deeper questions about community, and what it means to be part of something greater than themselves.
In exploring what it means to participate in the connective, creative endeavor of Burning Man, Directors Jehane Noujaim and Vikram Gandhi produced The Man Will Burn in alignment with Burning Man Project’s Media Guidelines. The documentary series premieres at Tribeca Film Festival on June 9, 2026 and will air on HBO in July 2026.
What is the Burning Man Event in Black Rock City?
Every year, tens of thousands of people gather in Nevada to build Black Rock City — a temporary city dedicated to collaboration, connection, and self-expression. Everything in this city — art, performances, camps, and experiences — is created by its participants. In a time when so much of modern life is optimized for convenience, spectatorship, and passive consumption, Burning Man continues to practice a different model — one rooted in participation and collective creativity.
Curious? Participate in Black Rock City 2026
Black Rock City 2026 will rise in the Nevada desert August 30 to September 7. All are welcome to participate. From joining a camp, to building art, and helping the city thrive, there are unlimited opportunities to plug in and get involved.
Practice Immediacy
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What is Burning Man?
Supported by the Burning Man Project nonprofit, Burning Man is a global cultural movement that brings people together through participatory creativity, gatherings, and innovative local projects. From the Burning Man event in Black Rock City, to community-run events and projects in more than 90 countries, Burning Man serves as a catalyst to activate the most playful, innovative aspects of humanity.
Now celebrating its 40th year, Burning Man evolved from a San Francisco bonfire to a global cultural movement. Today, the movement and nonprofit that nurtures it are looking ahead to the next 40 years of community-led creativity and innovation. Connect in your local community.
Curious? Start Exploring.
Burning Man comes to life through the imagination and collaboration of its participants — including YOU. If something here resonates, there’s a place for you here. Dive in!
Experience the Burning Man Live podcast
The phrase, “the Man will burn” is about much more than the literal effigy burns that take place at the 100+ official Burning Man events around the world. It is a rallying shorthand for resilience, persistence, creative community and the idea that Burning Man culture exists far beyond the Black Rock City event itself.
Appreciations
Hero image: Rainbow Bridge by Josh Zubkoff and Clyde the Ghost by Ghost Frequencies (Photo by Mark Nixon)
The first Man erected in Black Rock City, 1990. (Photo courtesy of Nick Lynch and Julia Wharton)
Phoenix Burn Fire Show with Tomotsugu Tsutsui Fire Performer, Japan Burn, 2025. (Photo by Danee Hazama)
Rising Sparks in Black Rock City, 2025. (Photo by Mia Terracotta)
Youtian Duan practices with a Dragon Staff, 2025. (Photo by Mia Terracotta)
Vanishing Points by Poetic Kinetics being installed in Black Rock City. (Photo by Duncan Rawlinson)
METAHEART by Johnny Crash (Photo by Jane Hu)
Mae B. McDonald megaphone announcement, 2019. (Photo by Manon Nyffeler)
And also, Thanks, Larry.