1. Coalesce
In 2020, the World was closed. Life got cancelled. People were struggling. Here’s an emotional and entertaining true story shot live, during the pandemic, about courageous people who came together, despite the risk, to share their love with one another. The film opens in Times Square on NYE 2020. Everything seemed right with the World. Fast-forward six months into the pandemic, hundreds of artists from all different performance art genres are invited to come together over the course of several consecutive days, culminating in a group costume parade event on 10/10/2020 to witness the only live performances happening ANYWHERE. The goal was to lift each other's spirits during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. There were over a dozen genres represented including acrobatics, live music, magic, dance, and even a wedding. Dozens of unscripted live interviews were recorded and the event proved a huge success. The film captures the rawness of what it was like living during this unprecedented time.
It has an average vote of 10 on TMDB.
2. In the Darkness of the Theater I Take Off My Shoes (No Escuro do Cinema Descalço os Sapatos)
The National Ballet of Portugal is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Since its foundation, it has aimed to present the great classics, as well as to always welcome contemporary creations. Day-to-day life is demanding for dancers, choreographers, musicians, répétiteurs, seamstresses, light technicians, sound technicians, and other elements of a large staff that make it possible for dance to travel through the rehearsal rooms and linger in the hallways before making it onto the stage. This film follows not only the company’s creations and premieres, but mainly each dancer’s silent and structural work.
It has an average vote of 6.7 on TMDB.
3. Rize
A documentary film that highlights two street derived dance styles, Clowning and Krumping, that came out of the low income neighborhoods of L.A.. Director David LaChapelle interviews each dance crew about how their unique dances evolved. A new and positive activity away from the drugs, guns, and gangs that ruled their neighborhood. A raw film about a growing sub-culture movements in America.
It has an average vote of 6.6 on TMDB.
4. Dave Chappelle's Block Party
The American comedian/actor delivers a story about the alternative Hip Hop scene. A small town Ohio mans moves to Brooklyn, New York, to throw an unprecedented block party.
It has an average vote of 6.755 on TMDB.
5. The World of Vija Vētra
This documentary tells the fascinating story of Vija Vetra, a world-renowned Latvian dancer, choreographer and teacher. At the age of 84, Vetra remains a vital and creative force, and her tale offers inspiration for both artists and lovers of the arts. In a career spanning seven decades, she has mastered diverse styles ranging from ballet to traditional Indian dance, and her talent has won her acclaim as a 'spirit in human form' and 'the bridge between East and West.' Her life is a celebration of the power and beauty of the art of dance, but is also a powerful story of struggle, loneliness and sacrifice. Her creative , positive spirit stands alone against a materialistic world that is constantly changing. Her wise soul, her point of view and criticism towards the modern world push us to think about secret meanings, symbols and the simplicity of life.
6. Jamel Shabazz Street Photographer
Documentary following the career of Brooklyn-born photographer Jamel Shabazz, who captured hip-hop in its infancy long before it became a worldwide phenomenon. His iconic images of kids sporting sneakers and savvy street style caught the essence of hip-hop as it exploded onto the streets of New York. Intimate interviews with Shabazz and hip hop pioneers explore the hundreds of individual stories and urban history behind a revolutionary cultural movement.
It has an average vote of 6.4 on TMDB.
7. Wallflower (Seinäruusu)
An overdressed girl tries her luck in dance events that are for Finnish tourists in a small Estonian health resort town, Pärnu.
8. Bullfight
Anna Sokolow’s choreographed reinterpretation of a bullfight. Sokolow plays the matador, an audience member, and the doomed animal.
9. Oskar Schlemmer and Dance
Original film material from the Bauhaus dances of Oskar Schlemmer.
10. Gerhard Bohner: Dancer and Choreographer
Short documentary on the reconstruction of the Bauhaus dances of Oskar Schlemmer by Gerhard Bohner.
11. Young Man on the Bar Masturbating with Rage and Nerve (Muchacho en la barra se masturba con rabia y osadía)
Dance and prostitution play the same role for Cristhian’s body. Virtuosity, desire, technique, and sex intertwine, granting coherence to a way of life that offers many answers to few questions. A leitmotiv that reconciles opposites and contradictions. Answers that are sometimes painful, like all truths.
It has an average vote of 5.3 on TMDB.
12. Sample This
A documentary that reveals how a forgotten record by the Incredible Bongo Band helped cement the foundation of hip hop when DJ Herc extended its percussion by playing them back to back, creating an anthem on the streets of the Bronx.
It has an average vote of 6.7 on TMDB.
13. Bella
A feature-length film about the life, work, influence and impact of California-based choreographer/Arts Activist Bella Lewitzky. Described as "...one of the greatest American dancers of our age," Bella Lewitzky was a talented, strong, out-spoken artist, who dedicated her creative life to protect the rights of every American citizen.
14. Risen: The Story of Chron "Hell Razah" Smith
Discovered by Wu-Tang Clan's RZA, Hell Razah had a promising career and gold records before he was tragically struck down with a brain aneurysm. Risen traces his journey to recovery - both spiritually and physically - back to the mic.
It has an average vote of 10 on TMDB.
15. Bailando al Margen: Vogue, Waack y el arte de la expresión. (Bailando al Margen: Vogue, Waack y el arte de la expresión.)
(Bailando al Margen: Vogue, Waack y el arte de la expresión.)
16. Cavalcade of Dance
Ballroom dancers Veloz and Yolanda perform the various dance fads of the first half of the twentieth century.
It has an average vote of 5.2 on TMDB.
17. In the Year of Hip Hop (V letu hip hopa)
In the Year of Hip Hop takes a retrospective look at the Slovenian hip hop/rap music scene. Boris Petkovič explores in great detail the evolution of a music style which, from the very start, has intimately reflected the social situation of its artists. Hip hop has always absorbed the "vibes" of the place where it is taking root, and Slovenia is no exception. According to Petkovič, in today's Slovenia, rap is the one and only form of music that discusses the state of our society and of human relationships without any inhibitions. If rap is not your cup of tea, this film can make you change your mind.
18. Here We Come
The story of hip hip behind the iron curtain.
It has an average vote of 9 on TMDB.
19. From Scratch: The Birth of Hip Hop
A deep exploration into the historical, cultural, political and musical elements that created the genre, featuring present-day conversations with music legends.
20. Masta Ace - Disposable Arts (Album Documentary)
Originally released in 2001, Disposable Arts is a thematic/concept album by Masta Ace. The concept follows that Masta Ace is being released from prison, his return to home and joining ‘The Institute of Disposable Arts’. The album is one complete story with the skits and songs together. The album contain many guest artists like Masta Ace’s own group eMC , Apocalypse, Greg Nice, Rah Digga, J-Ro, King T, Jean Grae and more. Also a bunch of different producers, this album is seen as a classic album by most Hip Hop heads. This reissue by Below System, contains almost a 2 hour making of DVD where you will see most of the contributors to the Disposable Arts album. Interviews, stories behind the tracks and more content about the making of Disposable Arts.
It has an average vote of 7 on TMDB.