Award Screening: Best Documentary: Bobbi Jene

Awards Screenings

96 MINUTES |

AWARD SCREENING: BEST DOCUMENTARY: BOBBI JENE

Award Screening: Best Documentary: Bobbi Jene

American dancer Bobbi Jene Smith has spent 10 years as the star of famous Israeli dance company Batsheva. She finally makes the difficult and life-altering decision to uproot her life and career to move back to the US. Bobbi first came to Israel at a young age. She’s spent the past decade under the tutelage of renowned choreographer Ohad Naharin, who radically shaped her personal life and professional work. The life-changing decision to leave is made all the more difficult considering her budding relationship with fellow dancer, Or Schraiber.

Instead of allowing it to weigh her down, Bobbi uses the long separation from her home country as strength and as inspiration, allowing her to see her surroundings through a fresh lens. Back in San Francisco, she goes out on a limb and starts work on a solo choreography, channeling her experience into her work, and premieres a groundbreaking new piece.

With a fly-on-the-wall approach, director Elvira Lind makes the viewer feel a part of Bobbi’s process as she hones and perfects her movements. This footage intermingles with the intimate portrayal of Bobbi and Or’s long-distance relationship. Bobbi’s natural grace and humility infuses every scene, making the film a mesmerizing and eye-opening experience.

—Jule Rozite