Polina

2016, 112 min
France

Language: Russian and French

Director: Valérie Müller and famed French dancer/choreographer Angelin Preljocaj

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. Other members of the cast include Niels Schneider (Xavier Dolan’s HEARTBEATS and I KILLED MY MOTHER) and Jérémie Bélingard (a star dancer with the Ballet de l’Opera de Paris, SAINT LAURENT)
 
“A film that takes dance as seriously as its protagonists and indeed, POLINA contains several beautifully poetic moments that involve choreographed bodies against gorgeous backdrops.” – Boyd van Hoeij, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER