Desert Dancer clip: Here’s an exclusive look at the upcoming film which arrives in cinemas on April 22nd.
To mark its release in cinemas from April 22nd, we have an exclusive Desert Dancer clip to share. The film is based on the incredible life story of Afshin Ghaffarian, who risked it all to fight for his dreams. Frieda Pinto, Reece Ritchie and Tom Cullen star in the film, which is directed by Richard Raymond.
Set in Iran, where it is forbidden to dance, Desert Dancer follows Afshin and his friends, who despite the dangers, form an underground dance company in a hidden basement. Through proxy servers the group hack the government firewalls into YouTube, where they learn from the very best – Michael Jackson, Pina Bausch, Gene Kelly and Rudolf Nureyev. Reveling in the freedom of expression that dance gives them, they set out to put on a performance deep in the desert, away from the watchful eyes of the ruthless Basij militia. However, this simple act of courage and defiance will set in motion events that put Afshin’s life at risk.
Ghaffarian is the founder of the “Reformances” company, and now lives in Paris, France.
Desert Dancer marks the film debut of multi award-winning, world renowned choreographer Akram Khan (London Olympics opening ceremony). His previous collaborators include the National Ballet of China, actress Juliette Binoche, ballerina Sylvie Guillem, choreographers/dancers Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Israel Galván, singer Kylie Minogue, visual artists Anish Kapoor, Antony Gormley and Tim Yip, writer Hanif Kureishi and composers Steve Reich, Nitin Sawhney, Jocelyn Pook and Ben Frost.
The film also stars Nazanin Boniadi (Homeland), who is an official spokesperson for Amnesty International USA and has campaigned against the unjust conviction and treatment of Iranian youth, women and prisoners of conscience.
Look out for the film in U.K. cinemas from April 22nd, 2016. Check out our exclusive Desert Dancer clip in the player below.
