The documentary CUNNINGHAM (2020) is a tribute to one of the world's greatest modern dance artists: legendary American dancer and choreographer Merce Cunningham. In her film, Russian-American filmmaker Alla Kovgan combines the philosophy and life story of Merce Cunningham into an eye-opening journey through his creative mind. She follows his artistic evolution over three decades of risk and discovery (1944-1972), from his early years as a plodding dancer in postwar New York to his emergence as one of the world's most visionary and influential choreographers. Featuring monologues and interviews with Cunningham and the people he worked with, archival footage and dance clips. The result is a breathtaking explosion of dance, music and never-before-seen film footage.
Enduring influence
Merce Cunningham (1919-2009) did not want to be called an avant-gardist, but simply a “dancer. He left its interpretation to the spectator; for him, dancing was a matter of “people moving in different ways. With intense energy and curiosity, he explored the limits and possibilities of the human body, using elements from classical and modern dance. He also wanted to put different art forms in a new context, working closely with people like composer John Cage (also his life partner) and artists Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol, both of whom were at the cradle of the American Pop Art movement. With his story, his ideas and innovative use of technology, Cunningham continues to influence new generations of dancers, artists and choreographers. Duration: 93 minutes Genre: Documentary Language: English Subtitles: Dutch
Tip Includes post-screening interview with Robert Swinston. He was Merce Cunningham's right hand man for many years and directed the Merce Cunningham Dance Company during its last world tour.
