Dancing Joy Film Spotlight

Today’s film spotlight focuses on the feature film Dancing Joy directed by Lan T. Lee.

What is the title of your film and what inspired said title?

Dancing Joy is the title. It’s inspired by Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9—often called the Ode to Joy—being expressed in world dance. But it also refers to the intoxicating feeling we get when we dance together.

Tell us a little bit about the story and origins of your film.

I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of transformation, changing something negative to a positive state. I guess, like everyone, I long for peace—but how does peace get made? What does it look like? At the Dead Sea, in Israel, our performing arts group did a spontaneous performance at the request of some school students. Then we invited them to dance, and they turned on their traditional music—a debka—and we all started dancing together—and suddenly, everyone in the parking lot all joined in. Hundreds of people—from all different countries and ages and backgrounds—were just dancing, and laughing and enjoying the moment. I thought “This is it! This is what peace looks like, feels like, acts like.” It was such a magic feeling, and I just wanted to give that feeling to everyone in the world. That became the seed of the film. I chose Beethoven’s 9^th Symphony, because it transcends every barrier—even that of Beethoven’s own loss of hearing. It has this marvelous message of “All mankind—living in joy—as brothers.” It’s beloved around the world, and has inspired human rights and reconciliation over and over. I felt this was the message our world needs today.

Any films or filmmakers that inspired this film?

“It’s a Wonderful Life,” because it makes you appreciate everything—good and bad—in your life. And “Babies” a documentary of four infants in Mongolia, Japan, Africa and America, which has no narration, just lets the story unfold through the natural visual and sound elements.

What is the goal of the film for you?

I want each person to be lifted and carried to a place of wonder—and to emerge with a new sense of their own priceless value. To realize we’re all in this together. To ignite their own dreams. To share an embrace of life and love.

What has the journey been like getting the film into production?

Much of it was uncharted territory. Just finding dancers from so many cultures—who could connect to the vision of Beethoven’s 9^th and choreograph to that—was an enormous undertaking. We reached out to embassies, dance companies, schools. Traveling and filming was a challenge: each country requires different things. The dancers spoke many languages, so our director (a dancer herself) communicated with them by dancing.  We researched locations using google earth, or other satellite imaging.  We analyzed their traditional dance, and we found portions of the symphony that had a similar tempo or emotion and sent them those clips to create their choreography. By the time we met them in person, we had already been working together for months, so it was like meeting old friends. The project was so huge and complex.  It felt like conducting a symphony, bringing together hundreds of artists to co-create a powerful experience for the audience.

One thing you learned from this project?

Nothing is impossible. If you have a mighty dream, it’s meant to be realized.

How can folks find you and your film online?

www.dancingjoymovie.com is the website, and it can be streamed through Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play or Vimeo. They can also order DVDs or Blu-rays, if they want to give a gift of the film. 

Any last pieces of advice for fellow filmmakers?

Choose great people. We were lucky to be able to call on the talents of a visionary choreographer to direct, Lan T. Lee, and a great editor, Mie Smith who really helped design the entire production. The cinematographer, Henrik Meyer and camera operator, Yousuke Kiname, had great tech skills, as well as multiple languages and international experience to add to the project. And most importantly, we had 21 choreographers and dance groups who are the heart and soul of the film. Great people create great film. 

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