When dance becomes the only way to express yourself and forget your troubles as a refugee, true passion emerges.

Interview with Director/Producer Amanda Larsh

Watch Dancing in Limbo here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

We were a part of a program called Destination: Africa at Chapman University where we won a scholarship to travel to Malawi to make a short documentary. While doing research we came across this amazing dance group and organization called Salama Africa, whose goal was to not only provide a platform for these kids to follow their dreams and love of dancing but to help as many of the youth inside the Dzaleka Regugee Camp as possible. We saw their dedication and passion and wanted to highlight that in our film while simultaneously conveying the simple message that refugee are people too with dreams, desires and talent.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

Aside from watching some seriously talented dancers and killer moves, "Dancing in Limbo" shows the struggles that refugees endure in their daily life inside the Dzaleka Refugee Camp.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Personal and universal themes are prominent in the film from the personal struggles each of the dancers goes through in their quest to improve their skills and gain acceptance from the residents of Malawi to the incredibly universal theme of building a better life for yourself through hard work and dedication as one follows their dreams.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The script evolved dramatically from when we were shooting to the final cut. Initially we worked with another organization, There is Hope Malawi, who put us in contact with Salama Africa. While we shot with both groups when we came back to the states we realized the film wasn't working as well as we hoped because we just had simply too much happening. Eventually, we split the project up into two different films, both of which focus on those involved with the Dzaleka Refugee Camp. "There is Hope" was made with the help of Innocent and Florisa Magambi and focuses on Innocent's work helping refugees like him as well as his amazing family.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

So far we have received very positive feedback from audiences! They appreciate the different manner by which we address the growing refugee issue around the world. By focusing on their talents and skills and not making their status the main focus of the film we are able to reach a wider audience who may either dislike refugees or have pre-existing prejudices against these groups. We received very positive feedback with this messaging at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and have already seen it change the mindset of several people as they realize that these refugees aren't people who want to come in and ruin countries like they may have seen on TV, but are people just like the rest of us who have talents and skills and dreams that they can contribute.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The feedback hasn't challenged my point of view, but I can't speak for the rest of the group. I know we were all so amazed to see the audience at Santa Barbara have such positive feedback and genuine interest in not only these dancers' lives but also in seeing that others hear their story and see their talents.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

By having our film reach a wider audience, we're hoping to show the world that refugees are people too while sparking dialogue about what needs to change regarding the refugee situation around the world.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

We need as much support as we can possibly get to spread the world about this film! The more people we can reach, the more we can get people talking about these issues.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Our goal for this film is to reach as wide of an audience as possible to not only showcase the amazing skills of these dancers but to show that refugees are people just like anyone else.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

When countries accept refugees into their borders then prohibit them from working, thereby forcing them to rely on the government and international aid organizations, what can we do to solve this issue?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Nick McDonald is keeping busy creating tons of content for Red Bull, primarily launching and expanding the company into the world of e-sports. Amanda Larsh works as a digital media coordinator for a non-profit, while continuing to promote "Dancing in Limbo" and overseeing its distribution as well as her latest short documentary, "Corpsman." Hannah Bradford continues to create short content for both her friends and herself as she also promotes her latest film, which explores the impact her mother's suicide had on her while raising awareness against the stigmas of mental health. Caroline Roffe continues to create short content and is currently in San Fransisco

Interview: October 2017

_______________________________________________________________________________

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

_______________________________________________________________________________

Dancing in Limbo

When dance becomes the only way to express yourself and forget your troubles as a refugee, true passion emerges.

Length: 17 min

Director: Hannah Bradford, Nick McDonald, Caroline Roffe, Amanda Larsh

Producer: Amanda Larsh, Caroline Roffe

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

People to help us spread the word! (Journalists, Festival Directors...)

Social media handles:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/DancinginLimbo/

https://www.facebook.com/Salama-Africa-Organization-217384225328548/

Funders: Anonymous Donor

Made in association with:

Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts

Where can I see it in the next month?

Awareness Film Festival, Ojai Film Festival, BendFilm Festival, Tall Grass Film Festival, Choreoscope International Dance Film Festival