Step
Ajyal Competition - Ajyal Youth Film Festival 2017
Amanda Lipitz / Feature Documentary / United States of America / 2016 / 85 min / Colour / DCP / In English / Arabic subtitles / MENA Premiere
Rated: Parental guidance is advised for viewers under the age of 13. Individuals under the age of 13 are not admitted into cinemas unless accompanied by an individual aged 18 or older.
Synopsis
Being Black in the USA has long presented significant social and economic challenges; being a woman is a test of its own, in the States and worldwide. In ‘Step’, these concerns are combined as a group of young women gamely prepare for competition, college and what lies ahead. The Lethal Ladies of the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women are a formidable step team, and the film follows their progress as they rehearse their routines while at the same time working to meet the gruelling requirements to apply to the universities of their choice. Providing invaluable support are their step-team coach and the teachers and counsellors at school.
The setting of the documentary is among the most violent and crime-fraught of American cities. As the girls nail their moves and are more and more hopeful of a big win, they discover empowerment and teamwork, learn to stand up for themselves and present with confidence – and execute some seriously wicked dance moves. Black power, girl power, camaraderie and success come together – both on the stage and behind the scenes – as these inspiring young women stomp their way to emancipation and a blindingly bright future.
About the Director
Amanda Lipitz is a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer and documentary filmmaker. Known for her short films that highlight philanthropic organisations and their impact, Lipitz has made more than 30 documentaries for organisations such as the Young Women’s Leadership Network, Citymeals on Wheels, the College Bound Initiative, The Tory Burch Foundation, Barnard College, Turnaround for Children, The Gateway School and many others. She graduated with a BFA in Theatre from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Credits
- Director
- Amanda Lipitz
- Producer
- Steven Cantor, Amanda Lipitz
- Editor
- Penelope Falk
- Executive Producer
- Dan Cogan, Geralyn Dreyfous, Jenny Raskin, Scott Rudin, Paul G. Allen, Carole Tomko, Micheal Flaherty, Barbara Dobkin, Regina K. Scully, Debra Mcleod And Jay Sears, Ann & Andrew Tisch
- Co-Producer
- Jamie Schutz
- Music
- Laura Karpman, Raphael Saadiq
- Cinematographer
- Casey Regan
- Production Company
- Stick Figure
- Distributor
- Park Circus
- Cast
- Paula Dofat, Blessin Giraldo, Cori Grainger, Tayla Solomon