Frequently Asked Questions
How can I request to screen FIRST POSITION in my hometown?Click here to make a request via Tugg.
Where/when will the film be released in theaters and on DVD?
First Position is finishing up its theatrical run in North America and will be released internationally in late 2012/early 2013. Check the screenings page on this website for more details. In North America the DVD/VOD/iTunes/Netflix…etc. release date is October 30, 2012.
AMAZON (DVD)
iTUNES
ETC.
WE DO KNOW how much our fans abroad want to see the film and appreciate everyone’s patience (because of the additional time it takes to create subtitling/dubbing in dozens of different languages, and in some cases, still having to convince foreign distributors to agree to show the film). Rest assured we are working hard to see that as many fans as possible from around the globe get the chance to see FIRST POSITION (FYI: the next countries releasing First Position in late 2012/early 2013 are France, Japan, UK, Australia and New Zealand).
Love the music in the film! Who composed it?
The film’s original score is composed (with love) by Chris Hajian. The soundtrack is now available at our online store.
Will the DVD released in North America on October 30, 2012 have bonus features?
DEFINITELY. 80 minutes-worth. You can buy it via all the major DVD retailers and mainstream retail websites. Beware of the scams claiming to offer the film for free. The only thing they give you for free is a computer virus. Other methods of seeing the movie after October 30: VOD, iTunes, Netflix, Amazon, Playstation, Xbox, ETC. ETC. ETC….
How has the film been received thus far?
First Position premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, 2011 and received rave reviews. On the film festival circuit it won Audience Awards at The Dallas International Film Festival, The Portland International Film Festival and DOC NYC. At the San Francisco Doc Fest it won the Jury Prize. It was also nominated for a 2012 Fred and Adele Astaire Award. To-date the film has screened in over 30 film festivals around the world. For a full list of past festivals click here.
Where was the film shot and how long did it take?
The young dancers in the film live around the globe. The crew traveled to such countries as Italy, Japan, France, Great Britain, Colombia, Canada and and various cities in the United States. We filmed for nearly a year.
What languages are spoken in the film?
The film is primarily in English but there are a few minutes where Spanish, French and Hebrew are spoken (with subtitles, of course).
How were the dancers chosen?
The young dancers in the film were chosen just as much for their unique personal stories as their determination and talent. The director wanted to show a diverse range of subjects, both in terms of race, gender, socio-economic status and career goals. The film also set out to defy many of the stereotypes whispered about the ballet world that simply aren’t true.
How many central dancers are in the film? Six or Seven?
Technically you could say there are 6.5 central dancers featured in the film. The movie takes you home with six of the dancers (Aran, Miko and Jules, Michaela, Joan Sebastian and Rebecca), so they are described as the central characters. But mid-way through the film Aran develops a wonderful friendship with Gaya, an Israeli competitor, and she begins to play a larger role in the story even if audiences never go home with her like the others. There are other voices in the story as well, whether it’s a mother explaining how expensive tutus are, a father revealing that he never expected his son to become a dancer, but that he couldn’t be prouder, or a dancer discussing injuries (Alys Shee, Evelyn Hart, Derrick Dunn and Jenna Graves).
How long did it take to edit?
The film took approximately one year to edit. Crafting hundreds of hours of footage into a 94 minute movie takes a long time! (That’s why the DVD extras are going to be FULL OF BONUS MATERIAL).
What age range is the film suitable for?
Ages 4 to 104.
What inspired the director to make this film?
The director of First Position, Bess Kargman, danced her entire childhood. Subsequently she went on to play college ice hockey and focus on journalism, but her love of ballet never waned. For her feature film debut, Kargman set out to make a documentary she always wished had existed.
Why isn’t the movie playing in more cities?
Of course we’d love the film to screen EVERYWHERE, but ultimately it’s up to both movie distributors and theater owners to book the film. They are the “deciders.” So if you want to see FIRST POSITION at a theater that screens documentaries in your area, please tell the theater that they MUST show it! This has worked on a number of occasions when fans have requested that the film play in their area.
Are ballet competitions controversial?
Indeed they are–and rightfully so. Is art something you can really judge? Is it healthy for kids to be subjected to competition pressure? Ultimately ballet competitions are not for everyone (including FIRST POSITION’s director Bess Kargman, who danced for a majority of her childhood but did not enter competitions). Many young dancers, however, are given so few opportunities to perform as soloists in front of a large audience–i.e. taste their dream–that entering a competition gives them the chance to feel what it’s like to dance professionally (under the spotlight, in costume, demonstrating artistry after months of rehearsal). Moreover, not all competitions are alike. Some place an emphasis on winning trophies. Others place an emphasis on scholarships and job contracts–which can be life-changing for dancers looking for new opportunities and the chance to be seen. But you don’t have to compete to make it as a professional dancer, and you should only compete if you find the experience to be a positive one.
Who took the photographs of the dancers on your website?
The photographs on this website were taken by Yaniv Schulman, Margaret Teich, Nick Higgins and Bess Kargman.