Almost all of Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, has been destroyed in two bloody wars with Russia and the once-thriving city is now virtually a ghost town. Among the remaining residents is a dance ensemble comprising Chechen children aged six to sixteen. With their master, Ramzan Akhmadov, they embark on a two-month tour of Europe, performing in cities like Amsterdam, London, Krakow and Warsaw. In the rubble of a city ravaged by the bombing and mortar fire of the Russian army, they rehearse their traditional dance. For these desperate children, dancing is more than a picturesque spectacle: it is art as a way of affirming existence, indeed of staving off madness. Filming the children on tour and on stage, Jos de Putter captures moments of pure grace and shows the innocence of childhood, the strength of tradition, and the spirit of solidarity that bonds the small community.
2 Reviews
War cannot crush the human spirit
thegsfcprobe7 February 2005
Children, led by a dancer who guides them spiritually as well, tour Europe and bring their gift to others. They travel by bus and make stops at theatres and venues that sometimes do not meet the requirements of their dazzling performances. And yet, the pep talk the kids receive is to perform the same for an audience of one or a thousand. The talent in the knife throwing is amazing! Despite their war-ravaged surroundings , the children at times are like all kids everywhere. They laugh and play and are themselves. The beauty of this film is in the way the many elements of life are captured. Art & the dance, grace and beauty and the skill of the culturally unique aspects of the Chechen people. Russian troops who snatch young boys off the streets and the conversations of those who witness such madness. This is a rich and poignant documentary. It is sub-titled in English.
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