POLINA

| 2017 – 108′ – Drama, Coming of Age, Music & Dance.
Written by: Valérie Müller-Preljocaj.
Based on a Graphic Novel by: Bastien Vivès.
Directed by: Valérie Müller-Preljocaj, Angelin Preljocaj.
Starring: Anastasia Shevtsova, Niels Schneider, Academy Award Winner Juliette Binoche, Jérémie Bélingard, Veronika Zhovnytska.
Official Selection Venice International Film Festival 2016.
Official Competition COLCOA 2017 (American Students Award Winner).
In French with English subtitles.
An Oscilloscope release. |

This love-letter to the world of ballet and dance follows a young dancer’s initiation into adulthood and her journey to find her place as an artist.  Based on the popular Bastien Vivès graphic novel, this artful adaptation begins in Moscow, where the gifted Polina studies ballet under the dictatorial tutelage of Professor Bojinsky. His standards for technique border on the sadistic, but the pugnacious ballerina sticks it out and is rewarded with an opportunity to join the world famous Bolshoi. Polina’s years of grueling effort, not to mention the sacrifices of her parents, are put into jeopardy however, when she meets the charming French dancer Adrien and discovers contemporary dance. Transformed, Polina questions everything she has worked for. Given a chance to study under the famed modern-dance guru Liria Elsaj (Binoche), Polina must face the first major crossroads in her life. Graced with sublime dancing set-pieces performed by Jérémie Bélingard, star of the Paris National Opera, and mesmerizing newcomer Anastasia Shevtosa.