Polina - ISFF Special Screening
Red Bank, NJ
101 Harding Rd, Red Bank, NJ 07701, United States
New Jersey
40.3469936
-74.0606785
Directed by: Valérie Müller, Angelin PreljocajStarring: Juliette Binoche, Anastasia Shevtsova, Veronika Zhovnytska, Niels Schneider, Jérémie BélingardRuntime: 112 min
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.