Documentary backdrop image for Swan Song (2023)

2023103 minNRdocumentary

8.5/ 10(3 ratings)• TMDB

Deep Dive

Swan Song

Rating: 3
Author: Leslie Felperin

2023103 minNRdocumentary

8.5/ 10(3 ratings)• TMDB

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Karen Kain, artistic director of the National Ballet of Canada, directs a new production of "Swan Lake" as she prepares for her retirement.

Genres

Arts

Director

Chelsea McMullan

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Synopsis

Karen Kain, artistic director of the National Ballet of Canada, directs a new production of "Swan Lake" as she prepares for her retirement.

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People

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Chelsea McMullandirector

Chelsea McMullanwriter

Sean O'Neillwriter

Jurgita Droninacast

Shaelynn Estradacast

Synopsis

Karen Kain, artistic director of the National Ballet of Canada, directs a new production of "Swan Lake" as her final project before retirement. The film follows Kain and her dancers, including Jurgita Dronina and Shaelynn Estrada, as they prepare for the performance. It captures the challenges of choreography and the emotional stakes involved in ballet. Executive produced by Neve Campbell, "Swan Song" premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and has screened at multiple festivals across Canada and the UK.

What Critics Say

The National Ballet of Canada’s prep for a new production of the biggest ballet there is, while bidding farewell to artistic director Karen Kain, is subtly handled in a nuanced documentary.

Leslie FelperinRead full article

August 12, 2024

Deep Dive

Why Watch

Meet Karen Kain, a ballet legend and artistic director.
See the behind-the-scenes of directing Swan Lake.
Follow Shaelynn Estrada's journey as a dancer.

Did You Know

Karen Kain directed Swan Lake as her final project before retirement.
The film won the Rogers Best Canadian Documentary Award in 2023.
Neve Campbell served as an executive producer for the film.
Swan Song was runner-up for the Audience Choice award at Cinéfest.

Perfect For

Ballet enthusiastsCanadian documentary fansTheatre arts students

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed the documentary Swan Song?

Swan Song was directed by Chelsea McMullan.

What awards did Swan Song win?

Swan Song won the Rogers Best Canadian Documentary Award at the Toronto Film Critics Association Awards 2023 and the 2024 Canadian Screen Award for Best Sound Design in a Documentary.

Where did Swan Song premiere?

Swan Song premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.

Awards & Festivals

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Calgary International Film Festival

2023 • Official selection

BFI London Film Festival

2023 • Official selection

Toronto International Film Festival

2023 • Official selection

Toronto Film Critics Association Awards

2023 • Official selection

Awards & Festivals

Comments

What are people saying?

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