Hilla Medalia | Israel | 2013

86 mins | NC16 | Arabic & Hebrew with English subtitles

Patrons under 16 will not be permitted entry. Age check will be conducted at the door; please bring a valid photo ID for verification purposes.

Pierre Dulaine, four time ballroom dancing world champion, is fulfilling a life-long dream when he takes his program, Dancing Classrooms, back to his city of birth, Jaffa. For generations, Jaffa has been a city divided by two communities that continue to grow increasingly apart. Over a 10 week period, Pierre teaches Jewish and Palestinian Israeli children to dance and compete together. The film explores the complex stories of three children, all of whom who are forced to confront issues of identity, segregation and racial prejudice as they dance with their enemy. Pierre transformed their lives, confirming his belief that dance can overcome hatred and provide the first steps towards real change.

Awards:

• Official Selection, Tribeca Film Festival 2013
• Official Selection, Sydney Film Festival 2013
• Editing Award, DOCAVIV International Film Festival 2013
• Audience Award, Festival2 Valenciennes 2014, France
• Audience Award, Washington Jewish Film Festival 2014
• Audience Award, Jewish Motifs International Film Festival 2014, Poland
• Best Documentary, Denver Jewish Film Festival 2014