A Will to Dream, an award-winning documentary which spotlights the socio-economic inequities and political trials of aspiring Filipino ballet dancers, will be screened on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

Documented over four years, the movie showcases the real-life story of former ballet professional Luther Perez, who gave up his career abroad to teach dance to the vulnerable children and youth in the urban poor districts of Quezon City.

Perez continued the heroic act of empowering the underprivileged community through ballet. This advocacy was spearheaded by his close friend Ballet Philippines Founder Eddie Elejar and his late partner prolific choreographer Tony Fabella.

The film also portrays the issues and dangers of teenage pregnancies, illegal drugs, and inconsistent government support in poverty alleviation.

The two-hour docu was written and directed by highly decorated filmmaker, ethnographer, and Canada-based York University Dance Department Chairperson Patrick Alcedo. Cinematography was by photographer Alex Felipe.

In 2021, A Will to Dream received several recognitions: Asia’s Best Independent Documentary Film at the All Asian International Independent Film Festival, Best Documentary Feature at the Hong Kong Indie Film Festival, and Best Director for Documentary Feature in Hollywood at the Tiber Film Awards. It served as an Official Selection at the San Diego Film Festival.

The viewing event is part of the partnership between York University and the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) in their mutual pursuit to inspire and hone the talents and skills of future filmmaking leaders through collaborative activities.

The initiative reflects the effort of the Dance Programs of the two institutions to highlight the local dance landscape, its pre-pandemic and post-pandemic practices, and its democratization with the added value of technology in the creative process.

A Will to Dream will be presented at the 5F Theater of the Benilde Design+Arts Campus on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 1 p.m. It will be followed by a question-and-answer portion with the director.

The occasion will likewise serve as a fundraising effort to assist the preparation of the Benilde Dance Program students for their upcoming competition, the Singapore Challenge Cup, in September 2024.

Tickets are available at P300.

For reservations, visit rb.gy/rkyitw.