Film and Discussion: «Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan»

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To celebrate Women’s History Month in the United States and International Women’s Day in Russia American Center hosts a special film showing of «Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan» by Linda Saffire and Adam Schlesinger.

Film Synopsis:

Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan offers an intimate portrait of ballerina Wendy Whelan as she prepares to leave New York City Ballet after a record-setting three decades with the company. One of the modern era’s most acclaimed dancers, Whelan was a principal ballerina for NYCB and danced numerous ballets by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, as well as new works by more modern standout choreographers like Christopher Wheeldon and Alexei Ratmansky. As the film opens, Whelan is 46, battling an injury that has kept her from the stage, and facing the prospect of her retirement from the company. What we see is a woman of tremendous strength, resilience, and good humor. We watch Whelan brave the surgery that she hopes will enable her comeback to NYCB and we watch her begin to explore the world of contemporary dance, as she steps outside the traditionally patriarchal world of ballet to create Restless Creature, a collection of four contemporary vignettes forged in collaboration with four young choreographers.

Throughout this riveting documentary, we watch Whelan grapple with questions of her own identity and worth. Whelan’s unflinching honesty, her tireless determination, and her winsome attitude—along with her breathtaking dancing—make Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan not just a fascinating portrait of an artist grappling with change but also a delight to watch.

The rights to screen these films are generously provided by American Film Showcase, a program to bring award-winning contemporary American documentaries, feature films and animated shorts to audiences around the world, offering a view of American society and culture as seen by independent filmmakers. Funded by a grant from the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, the Showcase highlights the value of film in fostering understanding and cooperation, dialogue and debate.

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