Global Film Village: Dancing at Cannes Market

by Marla Lewin

Friday we went to see a film about the Canadian Royal Winnipeg Ballet School titled Tutu Much. We knew Vonnie Holmett from several film festivals a few years ago. We originally met at a speed dating PR session in Victoria.  This year we met her again at the Canadian pavilion. It is so exciting to see Vonnie here in Cannes with her ballet film screening.  Her film is a sensitive exploration of the development of young ballerinas during a six week summer course. This is a make it or break it experience for these young girls mostly between the ages of 10 and 16. They work extremely hard both mentally and physically.

Also in the market was another film with dance that we have been assisting with called White Men Can’t Dance.  Peter Vinal dances, directs, writes and produced his film in North Carolina.  The film is sold in the US, and is looking for foreign sales here at the market.  It won a Dove award in the US which is given to films that are made for family audiences. Peter has tapped many of the top break dancers to perform in his film. It is based on a real incident and he hopes to inspire people to reach for their dreams also.