French filmmaker Bertrand Normand famous for the documentary “Ballerina” and other documentary films about Eastern European artists, has recently developed a special interest in Ukraine. Following the Revolution of Dignity, he spent a lot of time there. As a result, he has come up with a documentary project about a Ukrainian contemporary ballet created in Kyiv in late 2014.
Based on Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the show has been a huge success in Ukraine at a time of political unrest and war. It was staged by the director and choreographer Dwight Rhoden and performed by the world-famous dancer Denis Matviyenko, including other principals of the National Opera of Ukraine and dancers of Complexions Contemporary Ballet from New York City, under the creative consultancy of Desmond Richardson.
“Gatsby in Motion” will tell of a major artistic achievement which, given the current circumstances in Ukraine, has turned into a historic event. It will show that Ukrainian art and culture do not limit themselves to folk and tradition, but exist through contemporary works very accessible to audiences all over the world. It will also show that in spite of political tensions and war, art can unite people. Besides, it will provide a great example of the Ukrainian-American collaboration.
Granted the privilege to attend and to shoot all rehearsals and steps of the making of this ballet, Bertrand Normand has captured the entire creative process. Contributions from investors as well as differed remunerations and in-kind contributions have funded the first steps of the film’s production to an amount of $115,000. Now halfway through the completion of the film, the producers are trying to raise $52,000 to finish it.
They are reaching out to our community to consider making a donation to this project.
“Gatsby in Motion” is fiscally sponsored by the Dance Films Association, a non-profit organization, which means that your contributions will be fully tax-deductible.
Please see the project’s page on DFA’s website.