TutuTango
"TutuTango: A Cinematic Encounter Across Continents in 4 Acts"
Enter the spellbinding world of "TutuTango," an enchanting film that explores the profound psychology behind an extraordinary encounter between a ballet dancer and a tango dancer. This captivating documentary takes you on a visual journey through the raw and emotive essence of human connection.
The film unfolds in four acts:
Act I: "I See You" - Witness the moment of initial recognition, where two worlds collide through the lens of the camera. Experience the sparks of curiosity and anticipation as the dancers connect across continents, bound only by their shared art.
Act II: "I Prepare for You" - Immerse yourself in the transformation as the dancers prepare their bodies and minds for the encounter. Feel the dedication, discipline, and passion that drive them toward perfection.
Act III: "I Feel You" - Dive into the electric intensity of the encounter itself. Explore the fusion of ballet's grace and tango's sensuality as the dancers reach across oceans to connect on a profound level.
Act IV: "I Miss You" - Experience the bittersweet ache of separation as the dancers part ways, their connection immortalized in each frame. This act delves into the longing and nostalgia that follow, with the tantalizing possibility of future collaboration.
Beyond the breathtaking visuals, "TutuTango" offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the intricate psychological and photographic processes that brought this extraordinary project to life. Learn how two different filmmakers, separated by the Atlantic, united their work to create this documentary.
This film is a celebration of the universal language of dance, the power of human connection, and the artistry of filmmaking. "TutuTango" is a testament to the boundless possibilities of creativity and collaboration, proving that the beauty of human encounters knows no geographical boundaries.
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Dorothee ElfringDirector
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Michael Finbar SheehanDirector
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Michael Finbar SheehanWriter
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Dorothee ElfringWriter
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Michael Finbar SheehanProducer
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Dorothee ElfringProducer
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Nicole AssaadKey Cast"Nicole"
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Fede TerraKey Cast"Fere"Sweet Pain (2019)
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Genres:Romance, musical, experimental, Dance Film, Art film
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Runtime:7 minutes
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Completion Date:April 1, 2023
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Production Budget:1,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:Spain, United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Black & White
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
Michael and Dorothee: Pioneers in a Cinematic Leap
In Tampa, Florida, and the historic streets of Barcelona, Spain, a unique collaboration was formed between Michael, a dedicated psychiatrist, and Dorothee, a former attorney now immersed in photography. Both esteemed members of the United Photographic Artists Gallery collective, their partnership brought together Dorothee's flowing, impressionistic visuals and Michael's ability to capture fleeting moments with clarity. Guided by UPAG founders Pierre and Cathy Dutertre, their collaboration began with a Zoom call in 2022 during the final stages of the Covid-19 epidemic. Previously celebrated as still photographers, they daringly ventured into the realm of cinema, producing their first short film together, effortlessly weaving their individual photographic sensibilities into moving visuals.
Venturing Beyond Frames: Our Cinematic Vision
Inspired by the evocative storytelling of New York's Duane Michals, our intent was to blend the old-world charm of silent movies with the contemporary edginess of new wave cinema. This film is a testimony to our belief in the boundless potential of art, transcending both medium and geography. Collaborating with Nicole Assad of Tampa City Ballet and Barcelona's tango maestro, Fede, we overcame spatial barriers by replicating shooting settings and lighting. This approach gave birth to an illusionary world where our dancers, though oceans apart, seemed to merge into a unified narrative. Our film, premiered in Barcelona in May 2023, represents our journey into uncharted territories, exploring human connections and the timeless dance of emotions, resonating across borders and generations.
Michael