Conceived as a portrait film, “Dance or Die” tells the resilient story of french dancer Kevin Bago, who, because of an accident, lost sight of his left eye. “Dance or Die” carries a message of hope at a time when the world most needs it.
The short combines dance, music and poetry. It’s divided into four acts, corresponding to the four verses of William Henley’s poem INVICTUS, published in 1875 and cited as an inspiration by Nelson Mandela during his years in prison. The poet was himself condemned to the amputation of one of his legs. Throughout the film, the viewers watch Bago dancing while confessing the emotions he went through after the accident occurred. We hear him doubting his future as a dancer, torturing himself with second thoughts, but also finding a way to overcome these fears and become a better and stronger version of himself.
Project Links
Experimental Film & Music Video Festival 