PINA –A film for Pina Bausch by filmmaker Wim Wenders

This 3D dance film is a tribute to Pina Bausch, the German dancer and choreographer who became a leading influence of modern dance and has been called one of the most significant choreographers of our time.

For many years Wenders and Pina developed the idea of a film documenting her unique style of dance, now known as Tanztheatre or dance theatre. Tragically Pina died suddenly two days before shooting was scheduled to begin. Wenders cancelled the production but the dancers convinced him to continue. The elaborate performances are interspersed with dancers talking about Pina and her influence on them.

“What are we longing for?” “Where does the yearning come from?” one of the dancers reflects that Pina repeatedly asked these questions of her students. The ensemble of the Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch performs many of Pina’s best known works including Café Muller where dancers thrash about the stage crashing into tables and chairs and another where the stage is entirely covered in dirt. Settings for the dances include industrial work areas, fields, urban sidewalks and a huge rock in the pouring rain where the stage is flooded with water. The dancers display amazing strength, physicality and passion. In an array of sizes and ages, their lithe bodies move fluidly in a wide-ranging display of skill and art as the dances told stories of pain, passion, love and despair. “Dance begins where words end,” says Pina. “Dance, dance, otherwise we are lost.”

Professional dancers as well as students and teachers of dance will appreciate this tribute to Pina Bausch.

PINA hits Atlanta theatres on Friday, February 10! For movie trailer and additional information visit http://www.pina-film.de/en/trailer.html