Absurd Heroes
In Post-Production
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Director, Producer, Director of Photography, Editor
Max Rothman
An observational documentary of bodies in motion, following a small modern dance company through the initial rehearsal period of a new piece, focusing on the physical and emotional rigor of the process of bringing a choreographic concept to life.
Over a month-long period, Alison Cook-Beatty and the members of her eponymous dance company conceive, develop, and sharpen a dance inspired by the story of Sisyphus. Throughout the rehearsal period, Cook-Beatty's attitude fluctuates between unsure and nervous to confident and collaborative, always with an eye on evolving and pushing her ideas further. Throughout the process, the company becomes stronger, more focused and more determined, while never losing sight of the constant discovery inherent to the creative process. The journey of Alison and her dancers starts to mirror the story of the dance.