Only When I Dance

I'd seen a preview for this documentary awhile back and put it on my list of movies to see. Then, a reader sent me on the videos below that just came out, and I started doing some research. The film combines some of the things I'm most passionate about, and I was getting teary just watching clips.

Only When I Dance is a film about two teenage ballet dancers from the slums of Rio de Janeiro trying to make it in the professional dance world. Though part of the film takes place in favelas, the plot centers on the two dancers and their families, and the families' struggle to help their children pursue their dream. According to the website, the movie is being screened at various film festivals around the world, including my beloved Rio film festival. (I am so sad to miss it this year) The bad news is, there's no date set for a US release, since it appears it hasn't been picked up yet. Get on it, guys! I beg of you. This movie looks amazing!

Comments

[Dennis]

That film looks incredible! How could this not get picked up for wider distribution (while wild and crazy Finns drinking ayahuasca and eating monkey brains have their own TV show)???

I hope the DVD is available soon, or that it comes to New York...

[Mandy]

It's funny that you write about this film because I was actually going to ask you about it. They were having a DR Global Film Festival meeting in my office last week and they were "discussing" including it, but it was mainly just a bunch of asshole machistas screaming about how one of the little boys acted like a "maricon" and that they couldn't show it to children in the DR because it would be like promoting homosexuality. I think the final decision was that they would screen it once specifically for dancers and gays, but that they would not advertise it to the general public. Can you believe that mierda? I cannot stand working for this organization...

[Relda]

I've been meaning to come on here to tell you that this documentary is available on netflix for instant viewing. For any of your readers that haven't had a chance to watch...