Dance Tomorrow
The benefits of dance on the human being and their physical and mental health have been the subject of numerous scientific studies. However, the practice of dance in a broad sense is scarcely present in our organizations (schools, companies, healthcare systems...) and contemporary societies.
What if dance had a new role to play in the future of our societies? That is the question posed in this documentary essay directed by Dounia Zellou.
In this documentary, you will find interviews with philosophers, therapists, researchers, and psychologists, who shed light on the transformative power of dance throughout life, from early childhood to the end of life. You will also hear testimonials from patients, dancers, and artists about the impact of dance on their lives.
"Dance Tomorrow" offers an invitation to collectively reflect on the integration of dance into our systems and organizations, especially schools/universities, businesses, and healthcare systems, in order to accompany the human and organizational transformations of our era.
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Dounia ZellouDirector
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Dounia ZellouProducer
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Omar EnfedaqueComposer
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Igor GayarreComposer
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Chloé SignèsPhotographer
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Doryane PrompsyPost Production
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Nicolas BeauvoisCinematographer
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Doryane PrompsyCinematographer
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Penelope RoseCinematographer
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Project Title (Original Language):Danse Demain
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Project Type:Documentary
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Runtime:50 minutes
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Completion Date:June 20, 2023
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Production Budget:60,000 EUR
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Country of Origin:France
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Country of Filming:France
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Language:French
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
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Iris Global Health FestivalBoulder, Colorado
United States
October 20, 2024
Best Cinematography -
LA Independant Women Film AwardsLos Angeles
United States
Official Selection
Distribution Information
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HUMANAYADistributorCountry: FranceRights: All Rights
Dounia Zellou is a multicultural artist and passionate dancer. After experiencing burnout in 2019, she surrendered to the language of her soul, finding in dance a sacred path to healing and a deep well of self-discovery. Deeply inspired by human connection, exploration, and the essence of life, Dounia believes in the transformative power of dance as a catalyst for individual and societal evolution.
In 2023, Dounia directed Danse Demain (Dance Tomorrow), a visionary documentary produced in France that explores the healing and transformative potential of dance. Screened internationally from the U.S. to Morocco, the film has sparked global conversations about the role of dance in addressing today’s mental, physical, and societal challenges. By positioning dance as a powerful tool for both personal and collective well-being, Danse Demain invites individuals and organizations to integrate movement into holistic solutions for contemporary issues.
Dounia’s journey began in the corporate world, where she spent eight years in the banking industry in Paris. She holds a Master of Science in Management from E.M. Lyon Business School (2013) and is certified in professional coaching (Erickson International Coaching), Design and Creativity for Business (INSEAD), Ikigai coaching, Mindfulness, Emotional freedom techniques, ThetaHealing, and training. Continuously exploring diverse practices worldwide—ranging from dance movement and energy healing to creative expression—Dounia deepens her connection to the healing power of dance, drawing inspiration for her artistic and human development endeavors.
Danse Demain was born from my personal journey with burnout and the transformative power of movement. In the midst of what felt like a profound disconnection from myself, I found answers and healing in dance.
The idea for this documentary arose from a simple yet profound question: What if the solution to many of our mental, physical, and societal challenges lies not in words or theories, but in movement itself?
I wanted to explore the language of the body, not just as an art form, but as a universal expression of healing, connection, and evolution. Dance, in its purest form, transcends borders, cultures, and even time. It’s a language we are all born with, but many of us have forgotten. With Danse Demain, I aimed to invite individuals, organizations, and institutions to rediscover this innate ability and explore the potential of integrating movement into our systems as a way of fostering well-being and deeper human connection.
The documentary is not just about dance—it’s about the future of our societies. Through the voices of dancers, scientists, therapists, and everyday people from different parts of the world, we uncover the incredible impact that movement has on our mental and physical health.
The film explores how dance can liberate us from the rigid structures we live in, providing a new framework for expressing emotions, breaking through personal limitations, and, ultimately, reconnecting with ourselves and others.
Visually, I wanted Danse Demain to feel both intimate and expansive. The personal stories of the dancers are interwoven with breathtaking landscapes and moments of solitude that remind us of the beauty in vulnerability. Every movement on screen is a reflection of inner transformation, and it was important to me that the camera moved with the same fluidity and grace that the dancers embody. This mirrors the core belief of the film: that movement is life, and life, when embraced fully, is movement.
The journey of creating this documentary was deeply personal, and I hope it ignites the same sense of curiosity and possibility in the audience. Danse Demain is not just a film, it is a call to action—a reminder that in moving together, we can heal, grow, and shape a more connected and compassionate future.
I invite you to experience this film not just with your eyes, but with your whole being. Let it move you, and perhaps, inspire you to move differently in the world.