Passion, heart, desire and DANCE, ‘Flamenco School’ is an expression of all of these.
Flamenco School is a first-person, behind-the-scenes look
at what it takes to become a true “flamenco”—the discipline, the rehearsal
and the understanding of cante y baile -song and dance. After discovering
Alma and Niños performing at the Earth Day celebration in 2009, my
partner Brent Morris and I approached Eva and asked if she would be
interested in being the subject of a documentary. She agreed on the spot
and a year later we have completed a heart-warming, personal tale that
shows her true spirit and commitment to perpetuate this unique art form
into the 21st century. We feel Eva and the National Institute of Flamenco
are cultural treasures, and our film is an attempt to help them share this art
form with the world. The skill and passion they have instilled in everybody
being part of their work, from the kids’ classes to the professional dancers
in the company, is quite impressive. Through five generations, Eva and her
family have made Albuquerque the center of flamenco study in the United
States. In the process of shooting, we feel we have become part of the
Flamenco company.
The premiere of the film during the Festival Internacional Flamenco, June 9-13 was a success. We are looking forward to bringing the film to more audiences now.
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HotDocs Toronto May 1-9, 2010
Visiting the HotDocs Documentary Film Festival in Toronto was five days in early May
packed with screenings, pitches, and presentations and of course lots of networking. I made
invaluable new contacts with regards to making firsteyefilm an internationally connected
production company. Made progress on the environmental project we have in
Development for Ontario, and presented ʻFlamenco Schoolʼ to potential Buyers and
Distributors. Being part of the German delegation, I networked with my colleagues from
Germany. Made friends with the Swedish guys who presented ʻI bought a Rainforestʼ,
an intelligent and personal take on the donations we make to save the world. Oh, and
ʻAutumn Goldʼ, the heartwarming film on Athletes in their 80ʼs, by my friend Jan
Terhaven from Berlin, received the HotDocs audience award. Congratulations Jan!
Watch for FirstEyeFilm at HotDocs!!
