Desert Dancer

[projekktor id=’18459′]

Desert Dancer is a drama by Richard Raymond, his feature film directorial debut. Based on a true story, the film stars Reece Ritchie, Freida Pinto, Nazanin Boniadi, Tom Cullen, Marama Corlett, and Akin Gazi.

Desert Dancer follows the true, inspiring story of a brave Iranian dancer, Afshin Ghaffarian. Set in Tehran during the volatile climate of the 2009 presidential election and the start of the “Green Movement,” Afshin and a group of dancers (including “Elaheh” played by Freida Pinto) risk their lives and form an underground dance company. With what little access to the Internet they had, the group discovers music and dance videos that were banned from viewing in their country. The group learns various forms, techniques and styles of dance from timeless legends like Michael Jackson, Gene Kelly and Rudolf Nureyev. Inspired by these newfound heroes, they stage their own performances and uncover a passion for dance and one another.

“I was really moved by Afshin’s story,” said Raymond. “I had no prior connection to dance, and I never in a million years thought it would be the subject of my first feature but I found it to be absolutely fascinating as an artist and a filmmaker. I connected with this story about dance and art in Iran being so restricted, and how artists, filmmakers, poets, and dancers always seem to be at the forefront in telling stories of freedom.”

Desert Dancer is rated 14A.