Doco Finalists

Get inspired by this captivating trio of short dance documentaries that showcase the resilience and creativity of dancers in the face of adversity.

Join us for this inspiring screening that celebrates the power of dance and the stories behind the artists who bring it to life!

*Not in Screening Order

Dance Doco

'Rhythms of Resilience - Dance with Daily Risk' - 20:00 (Netherlands)

Director – Vladyslav Detiuchenko

Step into a world where dance overcomes the challenging realities of war. This is the captivating story of professional dancers Kateryna Kurman and Volodymyr Marchuck—two souls engaged in a connected dance amid the shadows of conflict.

Set in wartime Ukraine, their story unfolds in the innovative film, ‘Rhythms of Resilience.’ Directed remotely by Vladyslav Detiuchenko from the Netherlands, this experimental documentary uses digital technologies to tell a touching and real story.

Meet Kateryna and Volodymyr, whose love for dance persists against all odds. ‘Rhythms of Resilience’ invites you to witness a story of true resilience. It is an great example of to the unwavering human spirit and the unstoppable power of art.

”How is it to be a dancer in a country at war?” – This is the main question that the film tries to answer. It explores the lives, struggles and dreams of a young dancers who refuse to give up their passion despite the violence and chaos around them.

This isn’t just a story of the past; it’s a story of mental health, hope, justice, and a future yet to be written. War may seem distant to some, but its impact knows no boundaries.

Dance Doco

'HEDERA - Volume I' - 45:00 (Italy)

Director – Angelo Chiacchio

This experimental project explores the potential of dance as a tool for investigating and rediscovering the cultural heritage of the Italian region of Basilicata.

The eight-part documentary film captures the improvisational performances of the male and female dancers of the Balletto Lucano dance company in some key places in the area where they grew up; whether these are the alleys of a historic centre, an abandoned town, the ruins of an ancient Greek temple or an uninhabited landscape.

Dance Doco

'Kindred Sprit' - 31:32 (Hong Kong)

Directors – Andreas Gabriel Guzman

Consisting of some of the most promising and talented dancers in their age group in the world, the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company performed in Hong Kong for one evening only, but their journey was all but easy.

Faced with tight rehearsal schedules, copious events, and last-minute casting changes triggered by unexpected health crises, the dancers persevere over these challenges, ensuring that the show will go on no matter what.