UPROOTED: THE JOURNEY OF JAZZ DANCE

USA, 2019, 94 min

Director: Khadifa Wong

Producer: Lisa Donmall-Reeve

Editor: Joan Gill Amorim

Cinematographer: Matt Simpkins

Jazz dance is an art form rooted in slavery, but because of its roots, it hasn’t always afforded respect from the astistic community. Where is the funding? Where are the world touring companies? Why do white choreographers get famous for codifying the styles of jazz dancers while the dancers themselves remain unknown? The story of jazz dance is a complex one, going to the very heart of humanity. It is a story of triumph over adversity, oppression and privilege as well as a celebration, because ultimately, what all people have in common is rhythm and a basic human need to “get down”.

Khadifa Wong trained at the iconic London Studio Centre in all aspects of dance. After 10 years as a dancer she moved to New York to further study acting. On her return to London, frustrated by the lack of opportunities for actresses of colour, Khadifa wrote, produced and acted in a web series based on her New York experiences. It was then that Khadifa realised her true passion lay behind the camera and she formed her production company to help increase diversity on both sides of the camera. Uprooted is her first feature-length film.

UP CLOSE Intro by Director Khadifa Wong