MALAYSIAN PREMIERE, JULY 2018
On July 25, 2018, the Malaysian Documentary Association (MyDocs) hosted a sold-out Malaysian premiere of Incarcerated Rhythm at Black Box at Publika.
So glad I got to catch the premier of Indrani Kopal’s documentary film Incarcerated Rhythm. Six men who join a dance rehabilitation program while in prison find the meaning of freedom when they dance. The artist the incredible Susan Slotnick is their teacher, mentor, friend and mother. Now as free men they must find the rhythm of freedom in the outside world. Moving, original, technically brilliant – the editing, the music, the story arc, the control over story telling. I hope there will be another screening soon. This is a film so many people should see for its humanity and compassion and artistry. But for me it’s one people in the arts community simply OUGHT to see as a reminder of why we became artists. It reminded me. It chastised me. Not because Indrani meant to but because I know all my wasted moments. I have the gift of time and freedom and I take it for granted. I take love for granted and over the years I’ve tried to avoid the pain that goes with it. The men of this film and Susan too are fully alive. They are brave. But Indrani also manages to make us see how fragile bravery is. There is compassion. I feel for Brito. How long can a human being be brave for? At some point something breaks. The film is beautiful and quietly provocative. I can’t stop thinking about it. The dedication of Indrani and her collaborator @maran.perianen to process is incredible. Their patience is apparent. These are rare traits these days in a world that demands instant art. But patience and time can create something truly moving. I hope there’s more support for such work. This one was 5 years in the making with most of the support coming from the US. I know people like Lina Teoh at MyDocs is trying to make it happen. There are many talented documentary film makers in Malaysia she says but not much support. Yet. Hopefully the fab new Minister will see how important it is to support Malaysia’s creative talents. I’d like to see more films from Indrani. I’m waiting for her film with Khadijah Khalid on Ismail Hashim. In the meantime it was good just catching up with you both. #incarceratedrhythm #freedom #mydocs#malaysianfilm#malaysianfilmmaker #gamechanger #indranikopal
Jo Kukathas (Actor, Director & Writer)
A film that took Indrani Kopal 5 years to complete. Heartful and emotionally anchored to 2 of the 5 dancers and through the lengthy of production time, she was able to track the journey of the dancers and from that, we are able to feel for them. Through her journey completing this lovely project, she went through like in life, exploring and finding that hidden voice that took her a year off and her American colleagues’ edit to realize how her own journey in completing it.
Beautiful!!!
Patrick Lim (Film director)
Thank you so much for the screening of such an amazing doco, Indrani congratulations on choosing such a meaningful story, for the fabulous direction and editing. The story is still lingering in my mind…I keep thinking about the beautiful connection between the men and Susan….and actually the role the young female dancers played in their lives. It is such an inspiring and healing story all in one. It is the true essence of the humankind. Thank you so much for bringing that story to so many of us….it truly touched me at a personal level.
Gayathiri Jambulingam
So happy to have seen you and to watch Incarcerated Rhythm finally. There’s still a lump in my throat so that really goes to show what an impact your work had on me. I’m so proud of you.
I was really struck by the “in between” theme (demonstrated at so many levels) that ran through the entire film. But at the core of it, their stories really shone through and I wished I could have heard their voices and thoughts about their experiences at an even longer length. It was so deep and moving and I’m so glad you highlighted their moments so flawlessly. Just wonderful work – bravo my dear!
Christine May Yong
SPECIAL SCREENING & Q&A
SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 | ILHAM GALLERY, KUALA LUMPUR | 3PM
…it’s impossible to deny the glowing responses, commentary, and the wonderfully honest reactions from all the other audience members – Genuine laughter, tears of heartbreak, and the uplifting sensation of hope in all of them.
I credit that to the wonderfully paced editing of the stories of all 7 people. Good editing is much like a chef crafting of the sensory experience of the meal. If you craft it well, everything will flow, all the notes will hit at the right time, collaborate well with one another, and will seem effortlessly harmonious. Editing is only achieved with blend of thoughts and feelings. Which is why I believe no one else but Indrani COULD have edited this. How else could you be so emotionally invested in each of the character’s stories to such a degree that you, as a person living on the other side of the world, unaffected by their lives and deeds, feel so much and hope so much for them? As expected of the one I have always known as a goddess, for the kindness, hope and mercy she shows to others (I swear she still radiates her aura of kindness and hope).
I have always loved this about the power of documentaries. And I cannot be happier it is being used by someone I know uses it the right way. I highly recommend this documentary to anyone who calls themselves an open minded person, a teacher, an educator, a parent, or just someone who cares about making a better difference in the world. This documentary is powerful and I absolutely enjoyed it.
Ronald Ivan (Film Critic)
You guys deserved this standing ovation and claps today Derek BurrowsIndrani Kopal Maran Perianen! Derek I will be writing a long mail……. So wow’d by the music and singing. So many reflections. Such an honor to witness this day! More to come!
Incarcerated Rhythm by Indrani Kopal
Aishvarya Lakshmi
It was ME vs. MY TEARS all the way. Amazed with the narrative , the subject and her visions in delivering this documentary. Super proud of u Indrani Kopal ka’. Now you have a biggggggg story to tell our next AGNI participants. Now i feel like wanna join Taylor’s and attend your lectures.
Wickneswaren Kaliaperumal (Filmmaker)
The World Premiere of INCARCERATED RHYTHM (Feature Documentary)
Official Selection of the 13th International Harlem Film Festival 2018
MAY 5, 2018 | HARLEM, NEW YORK, USA
MAY 5, 2018 | HARLEM, NEW YORK, USA
Such an important film “Incarcerated Rhythm” so glad we made the trip to see it. I would hope this film comes to the Rhode Island Film Festival.
Len Cabral
It was a great audience, bursting into applause throughout the film. Congratulations to Indrani, Susan and their combined teams!
Loren Weybright
So excited for our friend Indrani Kopal at the premier of her documentary, Incarcerated Rhythm. We were so moved by the story and her telling of it. She shows how art and movement can heal and change lives. My eyes are still red and puffy.
RoByn Thompson
Incarcerated Rhythm, USA, 2018
INCARCERATED RHYTHM is a feature length documentary in progress that chronicles the lives of six formerly incarcerated men who were recently released as they attempt to reenter society and begin a new life, not just as former prisoners, but as confident and skilled modern dancers and members of a dance company called Figures-In-Flight Released.
This film, produced by Indrani Kopal and Derek Burrows, features Jecoina Vinson (Casper), David Montalvo, Andre Kelley (Ali), Ray Brito, Andre Noel, Felix Machado and Susan Slotnick.
The World Premiere of Incarcerated Rhythm was held at the 13th Annual Harlem International Film Festival (Hi) 2018 on Saturday, May 5th, at 2:20pm at the AMC Magic Johnson Theater in Harlem, New York. The screening was followed by a Q & A. Cast and crew was in attendance.
This film, produced by Indrani Kopal and Derek Burrows, features Jecoina Vinson (Casper), David Montalvo, Andre Kelley (Ali), Ray Brito, Andre Noel, Felix Machado and Susan Slotnick.
The World Premiere of Incarcerated Rhythm was held at the 13th Annual Harlem International Film Festival (Hi) 2018 on Saturday, May 5th, at 2:20pm at the AMC Magic Johnson Theater in Harlem, New York. The screening was followed by a Q & A. Cast and crew was in attendance.
Title:
Incarcerated Rhythm (USA, 2018)
Rights Holder:
Indrani Kopal, director/producer
Website:
http://www.incarceratedrhythm.com
Language:
English
Length:
80 minutes
Logline:
Six men who have been in prison for many years join a dance rehabilitation program that has never been tested before in the prison system. Upon their release they discover that the “rhythm of freedom” is harder to find than the “rhythm of incarceration”.
Incarcerated Rhythm (USA, 2018)
Rights Holder:
Indrani Kopal, director/producer
Website:
http://www.incarceratedrhythm.com
Language:
English
Length:
80 minutes
Logline:
Six men who have been in prison for many years join a dance rehabilitation program that has never been tested before in the prison system. Upon their release they discover that the “rhythm of freedom” is harder to find than the “rhythm of incarceration”.