Swan Song

Swan Song immerses viewers inside one of the world’s leading ballet companies as it mounts a legacy-defining new production of Swan Lake, directed by ballet icon Karen Kain on the eve of her retirement. The verité-driven feature documentary closely follows Kain and a group of young dancers drawn from the National Ballet of Canada’s ranks, weaving Swan Lake’s dramatic creation process with intimate scenes from the subjects’ personal lives as they push toward one of the most significant opening nights in their company’s history.

“Remarkable… Raw, gorgeous, provocative, enlightening piece of art.”

The Globe & Mail

“A stunning documentary.”

Deadline Hollywood

“An artfully anxiety-inducing backstage drama. A vérité portrait of the sweat, tears, triumphs, and many advils entailed in mounting a ballet.”

POV Magazine

“This is a magnificent and moving film.”

Brief Take

“A must-see….Chelsea Mcmullan has created a cinematic masterpiece that will linger in your heart long after the final curtain falls. A beautifully crafted documentary that offers an intimate and eye-opening look into the world of ballet.”

Layered Butter

“Nothing short of riveting.”

That Shelf

“A fascinating film about all the intricacies of putting on a show.”

First Showing.net

awards & festivals

screenings

Venue City Opening Date
IFC Center 5 New York, NY 07/26/2024
Laemmle Claremont 5 Claremont, CA 08/05/2024
Laemmle Glendale Glendale, CA 08/05/2024
Laemmle Town Center 5 Encino, CA 08/05/2024