Monday, November 9, 2009

Ghetto Ballet on HBO

Guguletu, South Africa
















HBO is premiering my short doc "Ghetto Ballet" in December. Stay tuned for more info....


29 comments:

Stephanie Torresi said...

I really, really want to see this doc. Any chance of it making its way to Europe any time soon?

Jeremy said...

its been sold to the UK - still working on the other euro markets. will keep you posted!!

Stephanie Torresi said...

Thanks!

Marilyn said...

My husband and I watched this last night. We were very enthralled and moved by it. As a former dancer, I was rather appalled that weight was an impediment to one dancer's dream. Weight really has very little to do with dancing, and everything to do with what audiences think is a pleasing shape. She had lovely lines, and I hope she keeps with it. Thank you for recording the efforts of this program to help poor S.A. blacks find a life in and through dance.

Bethn8r said...

I just watched your documentary, and I was so moved. Thank you for showing us Sibahle and her friends, their struggles and happiness and love for dance...it was simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. Well done. I want so much for Sibahle's dreams to come true.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful documentary. I had the chance to see it just now and adored it. I hope you are able to distribute it widely.

I am writing about it on my fitness blog. I hope I can encourage others to see it!

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

We watched last night (on HBO on demand) and were so moved by every aspect of this piece.

It might make sense in a year's time to see what has become of the dancers that did and did not make the cut - we are always shown reality shows that glorify the winners so understanding how these kids overcome this huge disappointment and seeing what has happened to them in the face of this overwhelming poverty might be the stuff of another wonderful piece of filmmaking.

We are keen to find a DVD of this work and also a CD of the soundtrack - any ideas?

Thanks

Laurance Milner

January 3, 2010 10:26 AM


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Jeremy said...

I would love to return in a year and follow up with the kids. Of course, sometimes these things are easier said than done, but rest assured, its being pursued.

Crystal Taylor said...

I just watched this documentary and I wanted to let you know I was so moved by it. To watch this young woman want better for herself and try to take advantage of an opportunity that may better herself, ultimately crushed really opens your eyes to appreciate what we have around ourselves. Have you kept in touch with Sibahle? If so, can you please pass on a message to her and let her know that she's a star my book! What about any of the other students? You've done a wonderful job on this documentary. How did you find out about Dance for All, if you don't mind me asking?

pat said...

This was one of the most heart warming and heartbreaking docs I have ever seen. Can you tell me what's happening with the students right now. In particular, the young sweet soul that was deemed too fat for ballet? How can we contribute to their families? You owe this information to us. After all you were the one who brought us this WONDERFUL experience!

Jeremy said...

dance for all can use all the help they can get. please visit them at their website

www.danceforall.co.za

Darcy DeMoss said...

Ghetto Ballet really hit home...
Being a retired Dancer and having a profound love for anything having to do with Africa & the arts, I enjoyed your documentary. I especially loved the cinematography.
I am currently hosting and producing a charity/reality Television program. I would love to speak with you regarding a documentary i am passionate about.
Please feel free to look at my websites and contact me if you have any intrest.
Cheers,
Darcy DeMoss
www.exoticvisuals.com
www.darcydemoss.com

HLT said...

I just watched your film on HBO On Demand, and am left with the same reaction Pat had. I'd like to be able to help Sibahle and her mother.

I've been to the Dance for All website, and will likely contribute there, too. If I were to donate $250 to Sibahle, might you have a method--or an idea of one--to get it to her?

Thanks.

Jeremy said...

Pat and HTL - if you send me your email address, I will send you updates and more information on how to help

thanks

SLA-New York Chapter said...

I am concerned that the dancers were not given any other options for careers (or jobs) after the audition. Are they left with no reference to other opportunities in the world or were they given other information after the documentary ended?

Cori Is Corrupted said...

What a beautiful story. One moment I cried for "La Violetta" and her acceptance and then the next moment for the truly lovable, Sibahle. I pray that she continues to pursue her dreams and remain driven. I also loved the closing song for the documentary. Where can I get it? It had an amazingly hopeful and upbeat tone to it. Almost like there is more just beyond the horizon? Tight work!!!

Jeremy said...

visit the composers website at http://www.davidbsteinberg.com/David/Home.html

wendy said...

I would like to make a donation to Simbakle. Can you tell me how to do this?
My husband and I were moved by this documentary. Thank you for making it possible. I am going to S. Africa & cape Town on 2/1/10.

Wendy Ricci

wendy said...

I would like to make a donation to Simbakle. Can you tell me how to do this?
My husband and I were moved by this documentary. Thank you for making it possible. I am going to S. Africa & Cape Town on 2/1/10.

Wendy Ricci

wendy said...

I would like to make a donation to Simbakle. Can you tell me how to do this?
My husband and I were moved by this documentary. Thank you for making it possible. I am going to S. Africa & Cape Town on 2/1/10.

Wendy Ricci

Unknown said...

Me and my organization would like to help Sibahle. Please assist in helping us contact her directly. I thought the documentary was spectacular and would like to Thank You for bringing this to our attention. Although she did not make it to the company her personality tells us that she has the drive to do anything and we would like to help. Thanks

ladyprez

Unknown said...

I enjoyed your documentary. I would like to contribute to Sibahle's dance training. I hope that she is continuing to train and prepare for the next opportunity that comes her way. Any information that you can provide is greatly appreciated.

LRR said...

Better late than never. I was able to see you doc today. As everyone has said, it is moving and so beautifully done. Congratulations. I wish there could be more information on IMDB and on facebook so that others can know about your work as well as the work of Dance for All and be able to help out. Congratulations again on a beautiful film.

Anonymous said...

I just viewed the documentary Ghetto Ballet, was moved to tears and agree with all the comments above. Still, I would like to know what Sibahle is doing now, perhaps we can get a group together and support her dreams.

basky said...

Great movie about the yout.....

Cori Is Corrupted said...

I looked on the net and this is the latest info I found on Sibahle

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/07/30/ghetto.ballet.email.atlanta/#fbid=hkIWxcdachI&wom=true

angie writes said...

I LOVED this documentary. It was so moving, so beautiful. Thank you.

Unknown said...

OMG I can't believe that I haven't seen the doccie!!! :( I've seen the trailers and pictures and stuff and heard when people talk about it... Does anyone perhaps know where I can get it maybe?? Please :'(