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At Night, They Dance

At Night, They Dance (2011)

May 18, 2011 1h 21m Documentary

Seldom has Egypt's capital been so evocatively captured. A fly-on-the-wall doc exploring the mysterious and hard-knock reality of a typical Egyptian belly dancer clan in working-class Cairo. Unparalleled access to this hidden world leaves the viewer fascinated and surprised that at night they dance. Such frankness among Arabic women is all too rare in films.

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Directed by Isabelle Lavigne

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Isabelle Lavigne
  • Stéphane Thibault
Writer
  • Isabelle Lavigne
Producer
  • Lucie Lambert

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Thematic Analysis

At Night, They Dance represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Isabelle Lavigne brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2011, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of At Night, They Dance took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 2011, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While At Night, They Dance shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, At Night, They Dance offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Jesus Camp and Halftime explore similar territory, At Night, They Dance stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: May 18, 2011
  • Runtime: 1h 21m

Where to Watch

DocAlliance Films

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