Friday, October 13, 2023 – 7:00 pm; and
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 – 4:00 pm
Galaxy Cinemas Barrie, 72 Commerce Park Dr, Barrie, ON L4N 8W8
SWAN SONG immerses viewers inside one of the world’s leading ballet companies as it mounts a legacy-defining new production of Swan Lake, directed by ballet icon Karen Kain on the eve of her retirement. The verité-driven feature documentary closely follows Kain and a group of young dancers drawn from the National Ballet of Canada’s ranks, weaving Swan Lake’s dramatic creation process with intimate scenes from the subjects’ personal lives as they push toward one of the most significant opening nights in their company’s history.
Kain and her company granted full access, and the filmmakers followed the film’s subjects for nearly two years through creative conflicts, devastating injuries and personal setbacks, and a pointed push for equity and change from within its ranks.
SWAN SONG’s intimate, character-driven approach invites viewers to consider the impacts of the culture of ballet on its artists—the film’s subjects, in various ways, challenge ideals of race, class and body type as they navigate a tradition that has historically valued compliance and perfection. At the same time, the film captures the sincere love of the form that drives Kain and the dancers as they face down challenges and make deep personal sacrifices in an effort to create something meaningful and lasting.
“A STUNNING DOCUMENTARY”
Deadline
“AN EXQUISITE DOCUMENTARY”
POV (From description of Feature Cover Story)
“NOTHING SHORT OF RIVETING”
That Shelf
“A FASCINATING FILM ABOUT ALL THE INTRICACIES OF PUTTING ON A SHOW”
First Showing (Preview)
“A BEAUTIFUL, IMMERSIVE ACCOUNT OF AN INNOVATIVE PRODUCTION”
BFI Programmers Notes