Hull Independent Cinema presents
Swan Song (12A)
103 mins | 12A | English
An immersive, behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's leading ballet companies as it mounts a new production of Swan Lake. Ballet icon Karen Kain, on the eve of her retirement, directs the National Ballet of Canada. The film weaves together intimate scenes of the creative process, insights into the dancers’ struggles with injury and anxiety, and scenes from the personal lives of those involved to in a nuanced and fascinating film that will appeal to ballet lovers and sceptics alike.
Awards: Toronto Film Critics Association Awards: Winner Best Canadian Documentary; Nominee, 2023 Allan King Documentary Award | Calgary International Film Festival: Winner, DGC Canadian Documentary Feature | Canadian Screen Awards: Winner, Best Sound Design in a Documentary
103 mins | 12A | English
An immersive, behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's leading ballet companies as it mounts a new production of Swan Lake. Ballet icon Karen Kain, on the eve of her retirement, directs the National Ballet of Canada. The film weaves together intimate scenes of the creative process, insights into the dancers’ struggles with injury and anxiety, and scenes from the personal lives of those involved to in a nuanced and fascinating film that will appeal to ballet lovers and sceptics alike.
Awards: Toronto Film Critics Association Awards: Winner Best Canadian Documentary; Nominee, 2023 Allan King Documentary Award | Calgary International Film Festival: Winner, DGC Canadian Documentary Feature | Canadian Screen Awards: Winner, Best Sound Design in a Documentary
Event Details
Running Time: 1 hour 43 mins
Age Rating: 12A
Content Warning: Strong language
Language: English
The backbone of “Swan Song” is the journey from rehearsal room to opening night, and if you love ballet, it’s thrilling to watch. Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times
In Swan Song, feathers, synchronicity and sheer graft define the world’s most popular ballet. ★★★★ Tara Brady, The Irish Times
Director, McMullan, along with her co-writer and producer, have crafted a work that echoes the artform’s grace and rigor, physical demands and details. Lisa Kennedy, Variety