In 2000, Slavik Kryklyvyy became the World Latin Dance Champion with his partner and lover Joanna Leunis. Enduring success seemed assured, but instead Slavik's career sputtered while Leunis went on to unrivaled glory with a replacement partner. A decade later Slavik has his sights set on a comeback. He has reteamed with a new partner—his girlfriend, amateur dance champion Anna Melnikova, and redemption seems within their grasp. But when it comes to making their relationship work both on and off the dance floor, will Slavik's unwavering ambition prove to be his greatest asset, or his fatal flaw?
Subtly depicting the pair's shifting dynamic through gestures, glances, and the dance itself, Ballroom Dancer quickly evolves beyond its comeback-story premise into a moving tragic love story, as Slavik's single-minded focus and perfectionism begin to drive a wedge between the pair. With a keen eye and intimate access, first-time filmmakers Christian Bonke and Andreas Koefoed capture a temperamental yet compelling character grasping for a tenderness and human connection that seems increasingly incompatible with the fulfillment of his life's ambition, and perhaps even with his very nature.
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CAST & CREDITS
Directed by Christian Bonke and Andreas Koefoed
Christian Bonke and Andreas Koefoed both graduated from the National Film School of Denmark and have directed documentary films since 2001. Bonke was co-director of Ulrik Wivel's Roskilde in2008and Koefoed's shorts 12 Notes Down and Albert's Winter have won awards at Silverdocs and CPH:DOX.
Director
Christian Bonke, Andreas Koefoed
Primary Cast
Slavik Kryklyvyy, Anna Melnikova
Screenwriter
Christian Bonke, Andreas Koefoed
Composer
Magnus Jarlbo
Executive Producer
Sigrid Dyekjær
Producer
Jakob Nordenhof Jønck
Editor
Åsa Mossberg, Marion Tuor
Director of Photography
Christian Bonke, Andreas Koefoed
CONTACTS
Press Contact
David Magdael David Magdael & Associates, Inc 600 West Ninth Street, Suite 704 Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: (213) 624-7827 dmagdael@tcdm-associates.com
Sales Agent
Anne Marie Kürstein Danish Film Institute Gothersgade 55 Copenhagen, 1123 Phone: +45 33 74 36 09 kurstein@dfi.dk http://www.dfi.dk
Sales Agent
Kim Christiansen DR International Sales Emil Holms Kanal 20 Copenhagen, 0999 Phone: +45 2854 2299 kimc@dr.dk