A groundbreaking new documentary is peeling back the layers of Santacon, the infamous holiday pub crawl that transformed from a radical San Francisco culture jam into a nationwide phenomenon of dubious reputation.

Directed by Seth Porges, known for his previous documentary work, the film traces Santacon’s origins to the mid-1990s San Francisco counterculture scene. What began as a provocative performance art project by the Cacophony Society - a group of creative pranksters - eventually mutated into a citywide drinking festival that became notorious for public intoxication and rowdy behavior.

Interestingly, the documentary reveals some surprising backstories, including that Fight Club author Chuck Palahniuk was among the original Santacon co-founders, and John Law, who went on to help establish Burning Man, was a key early organizer. The film documents how the event’s original spirit of cultural subversion was gradually lost as it spread to cities like New York, Portland, and Los Angeles.

The documentary captures pivotal moments from Santacon’s history, including provocative public performances and the eventual disavowal of the event by its original creators. By 2014, the founders had symbolically held a funeral for Santacon, signaling the death of their original vision.

San Francisco’s Santacon has since undergone a transformation, with new organizers emphasizing community elements like toy drives and structured dance parties. The event has slowly rehabilitated its image, with bars now welcoming participants instead of banning them.

For those curious about this unique slice of urban cultural history, the documentary is streaming this weekend through the DOC NYC film festival for $15, offering an insider’s look at how a satirical street performance became a controversial annual tradition.

Whether you’re a long-time San Francisco resident or just interested in quirky cultural phenomena, this documentary promises an entertaining and insightful exploration of Santacon’s strange journey.