2023, USA, 85' ֍ Dir. Leslie Shampaine, Pip Gilmour
(English/Hebrew/Hindi; Turkish subtitles)
Manish is an athletic street dancer from Mumbai whose working-class parents depend on him, their only son, for support. An accidental encounter with an inner-city dance school awakens in him a hunger and determination, and ambitious and passionate Manish is resolved to make it as a professional dancer, despite all the odds stacked against him.
Call Me Dancer is a story of perseverance, rebellion, passion, family, culture, and an unlikely friendship. Filmed in India, Israel, the U.K. and the U.S and featuring music from legendary singer/songwriter Jay Sean and hip-hop artist/rapper Anik Khan, with a sublime score by Nainita Desai and Nina Humphreys, Call Me Dancer will take you on a magical journey, from the streets of Mumbai to the stages of New York. This uplifting doc has inspired audiences across the world, winning numerous awards at international festivals, including Audience Favorites, in the USA, China, Italy, Canada, New Zealand and Croatia.
Leslie Shampaine has been telling stories throughout her professional life, from the ballet stage where she performed throughout the world during a 13-year career, to the television screen where she has produced award-winning programs for PBS, Discovery Channel, A&E, CBS, and Al Jazeera.
Pip Gilmour is a seasoned director/producer/writer who has traveled the world working with scientists, engineers, anthropologists, indigenous tribes, community activists, farmers and historians. Her work has garnered her numerous awards from festivals, among them the New York Film Festival.
