SECUNDARIA
'A QUIETLY RIVETING FILM'
FILM SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER
'A CANDID COMPELLING PORTRAIT'
NEW YORK TIMES
'THE TERROR AND HEARTBREAK THAT ACCOMPANY A RIGH-RISK, LIFE ALTERING DECISION' HUFFINGTON POST
PURCHASE @ FIRST RUN FEATURES
THE STORY
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SECUNDARIA quietly follows one high school class on its journey through Cuba’s world-famous National Ballet School. Our teenage dancers love to dance but many of them must dance as their sole way out of poverty.
At least, that’s how the movie begins. In their third year, Mayara, the shyest but also the most accomplished dancer, takes charge of her destiny with a sudden, unprecedented act of courage.
FILMMAKING APPROACH
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Between 2007 and 2011 I traveled solo 21 times to Havana gathering footage for two films about children growing up in the world-famous Cuban Ballet System.
My premise: Shoot only scenes that could not be translated into words. Ramona De Saa Bella, (AKA Cherie) Director of the National Ballet School, said, "Well, what else would you do? You're making a movie after all."
In the case of SECUNDARIA I followed one high-school class from auditions to graduation, focussing on Mayara, Moisés and Gabriella from day one - which is why the events that happen in SECUNDARIA are so startling.
