Directed by Valérie Müller & Angelin Preljocaj • Drama • With Juliette Binoche, Anastasia Shevtsova, Veronika Zhovnytska, Niels Schneider, Jer Em Ie Bel Ingard • 2017 • 108 minutes
Rigorously trained from an early age by a perfectionist instructor, Polina (played by Anastasia Shevtsova, a professional dancer who has performed with Saint Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre) is a promising classical ballet dancer. She is just about to join the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet when she discovers contemporary dance, a revelation that throws everything into question on a profound level. Diverting from her plan, she leaves all her exacting preparation behind and moves to France to work with famous choreographer Liria Elsaj (played by Academy Award®-winner Juliette Binoche who has danced with London-based dancer/choreographer Akram Khan). But once there she is quickly forced to grapple with the realization that determination and hard work don't always lead to success.
"Beautifully poetic." - The Hollywood Reporter
Up Next in Dance
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Monkey Dance
Directed by Julie Mallozzi • Documentary • 2004 • 65 minutes
Three Cambodian-American teenagers come of age in a world shadowed by their parents' Khmer Rouge nightmares. Traditional Cambodian dance links them to their parents’ culture, but fast cars, hip consumerism, and new romance pull harder....
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Pastor: Four Movements
Directed by Joanna Rechnio • Documentary • 2024 • 70 minutes
Pastor: Four Movements is an intimate documentary that profiles Krzysztof Pastor, the renowned Polish dancer and choreographer affiliated with the Dutch ballet school. The film delves into Pastor’s creative process, showcasing his work...
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Carmen and Geoffrey
Directed by Linda Atkinson & Nick Doob • Documentary • With Carmen de Lavallade, Geoffrey Holder, Ailvin Ailey, Lester Horton, Duke Ellington, Josephine Baker • 2006 • 80 minutes
Carmen de Lavallade and Geoffrey Holder, two living legends in the world of American dance, are the subjects of t...
