French Film Festival 2019 / Transitions: Coming of Age in French and Francophone Adolescent Film

This year’s French Film Festival concludes with Polina, danser sa vie / Polina. Adapted from Bastien Vivès’s graphic novel, filmmaker Valérie Müller and choreographer Angelin Preljocaj (her husband), depict the life of a dancer in a straightforward and sometimes a documentary-style approach. [NYTimes]

Rigorously trained from an early age by a perfectionist instructor, Polina 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. Performed by professional dancer, Anastasia Shevtsova and actress Juliette Binoche, Polina grapples with the realization that determination and hard work don’t always lead to success.

In Russian and French with English subtitles.

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