Immerse yourself in the world of international cinema with the South Carolina
premiere of the acclaimed film, “Call Me Dancer.” Experience the artistry of Manish Chauhan, the film’s star, who will also lead an exclusive Master Class Dance Workshop. Plus, savor authentic flavors with a selection of delicious Indian street food provided by local favorite, Saffron Indian Cuisine.
Schedule:
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to dive deep into a cultural delight right here in Greenville. Discover more about the film and the unforgettable SummerFest experience below!
Call Me Dancer is a 2023 documentary by director and producer Leslie Shampaine.
It is a story of perseverance, passion, culture and an unlikely friendship. This documentary follows Manish Chauhan, a street dancer from Mumbai, whose working-class parents depend on their only son’s financial support. When he accidentally walks into an inner-city dance school and encounters the brilliant but curmudgeonly 70-year-old Israeli ballet master Yehuda Maor, a hunger develops within him. The ambitious Manish becomes determined to make it as a professional dancer, but the odds are stacked against him. Together, Manish and Yehuda transform each other’s lives, searching to uncover who and what they are. Yehuda seeks purpose and a place to call home. Manish dreams of dancing on the world stage but struggles to break free from the confines of his economic and social circumstances.
Audience Award, Documentary – Berkshire International Film Festival
Excellence in Documentary Directing Award – New York Women in Film & Television @ New York Indian Film Festival
Art of Storytelling Award – Doc Edge Film Festival, New Zealand
Audience Award, Feature – Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival
Best Director Award – Indian Film Festival of Cincinnati
Audience Award, Portraits program – Vancouver International Film Festival
Art and Inspiration Award – Hamptons Doc Fest
Audience Award, Best Documentary Feature – Tasveer South Asian Film Festival, Seattle
Audience Favorite Award, San Francisco Dance Film Festival
Young Jury Award, DOKUart Festival, Bjelovar, Croatia
Honorable Mention, Best Documentary, International South Asian Film Festival Canada, Surrey, Canada
“Astonishing…it’s the classic underdog story…touching…lustrous imagery”
–Matthew Carey, Deadline
“Dramatic”
– Elizabeth Zimmer, Village Voice
“Cinematic… It’s the Rocky Balboa story”
– Jay Sean – British Pop Legend
“Compelling tale of perseverance, passion and friendship”
– Celia Ipiotis, Eye on the Arts
“Dance is an art form, and this movie is simply pure art!”
– Yoni Avital, Intl Director, Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company
This program is funded in part by the Metropolitan arts Council which receives support by the City of Greenville, BMW Manufacturing Company, SEW Eurodrive, the South Carolina Arts Commission, and many other sources.
