Festivals - Sundance Film Festival 2021 : Ailey directed by Jamila Wignot will have its world premiere

By Mulder, 12 december 2020

Many know the name Alvin Ailey, but how many know the man ?

Ailey’s commitment to searching for truth in movement resulted in pioneering and enduring choreography that centers on African American experiences. Director Jamila Wignot’s resonant biography grants artful access to the elusive visionary who founded one of the world’s most renowned dance companies, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Wignot’s approach shares Ailey's love of poetry. Where Ailey conveyed poetry through movement, Wignot crafts a visual poetry to evoke Ailey’s memories.

Archival footage, layered with audio recordings, expounds on Ailey’s upbringing and establishes the language of his inspiration. Interviews with celebrated company dancers and distinguished choreographers give insight into Ailey’s process and legacy, while the current company of dancers work to bring a tribute to life. Wignot’s portrait is complex, capturing the talent and confidence of a man in the spotlight while also carving out space for Ailey’s vulnerability. Wignot moves between the interior and exterior, the inhale and exhale, to capture Ailey’s reverberating impact.

Synopsis :
An immersive portrait of dance pioneer Alvin Ailey, told through his own words and a new dance inspired by his life.

Ailey (USA)
Directed by Jamila Wignot
Produced by Lauren DeFilippo
Executive Producers : Stephen Ives, Amanda Pollak, Michael Kantor, Judy Kinberg, Emily Blavatnik, Sally Jo Fifer, Tony Hsieh, Roberto Grande, Mimi Pham, Bryn Mooser, Kathryn Everett
Assistant Editors : William Bentley, Cory Smith, Ally Southwood-Smith
Researcher : Saoirse Hahn
Music by Daniel Bernard Roumain
Cinematography : Naiti Gámez
Edited by Annukka Lilja
Distributed by Insignia Films (https://www.insigniafilms.com)
Release date : January 30, 2021 (Sundance)
Running time : 82 minutes

Premiere : jan. 30 - 6:00pm // Second Screening : feb. 1 - 4:00pm (local time)

(Source : press release)