NYC Kids Learn the Power of Dance in Heartfelt Doc Film ‘Lift’ Trailer
by Alex Billington
August 25, 2023
Source: YouTube
“I’m drawn to stories about people trying to find shelter, a connection, or identity in small communities.” Paramount Movies has debuted an official trailer for a documentary film titled Lift, made by doc filmmaker David Petersen. This premiered at last year’s Tribeca Film Festival, and also played at the Palm Springs Film Festival earlier this year. Over a decade in the making, this inspiring and unforgettable documentary follows children impacted by homelessness as they discover the magic of self-expression through dance. The New York Theatre Ballet’s LIFT program offers scholarships to children experiencing homelessness, helping them develop untapped skills as classical dancers. The film follows a few of their journeys from shelter to stage; a celebration of joy and triumph in the face of adversity. This doc film features Steven Melendez (Principal Artist & Artistic Director of NYTB), Diana Byer (Founder & former Artistic Director of NYTB), Victor Abreu (LIFT Dance Student, Member of New York City Ballet), Yolannsie Cardona (LIFT Dance Student), and Sharia Blockwood (LIFT Dance Student). An inspirational film about the power of dance.
Here’s the official trailer (+ poster) for David Petersen’s doc Lift, direct from Paramount’s YouTube:
“Ten years ago, a performing arts photographer, introduced me to New York Theatre Ballet and their program called LIFT, in which they went into homeless shelters and offered scholarships to kids interested in ballet. A film that started out with just me, a camera, and a microphone grew into a decade-long collaboration between dancer Steven Melendez, our production team, and the families profiled in the documentary. Since my own father grew up poor and home insecure in the Bronx, the story of LIFT captivated me. Following the challenges and aspirations of these remarkable kids and their mentor took 10 years, but the rewards of growing with them, their families, and their communities made the record of this journey well worth the effort.” –Director David Petersen
Over a decade in the making, this inspiring and unforgettable documentary film follows children impacted by homelessness as they discover the magic of self-expression through dance. Guided by mentor Steven, whose journey leads back to his childhood shelter, their path within a remarkable ballet program becomes a celebration of joy and triumph in the face of adversity. “LIFT Community Service Program provides scholarships for talented at-risk and underserved children at the School of NYTB, as well as programs that champion dance for the greater good.” Lift is directed by doc filmmaker David Petersen, director of the films If You Lived Here You Would Be Home Now, Journey of the Bonesetter’s Daughter, The Witmans, and many short films previously. Produced by Mary Recine and David Petersen. This first premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival last year. Paramount Movies will debut Petersen’s Lift doc in select US theaters on September 15th, 2023, and on VOD / DVD starting September 22nd. Head to the film’s official site.
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