Within Beninese society, professional dancers face social stigmatization. Dancer Franklin seeks his father’s approval, even though his father, who also danced, hoped to spare his son from similar struggles. Meanwhile, for Sophiatou, who lacks formal education, dancing serves as her primary means of self-expression. Both embrace the challenges that come with pursuing their dreams.
Written and directed by Anne van Campenhout and Elsbeth Fraanje. Camera by Elsbeth Fraanje. Edited by Anne van Campenhout. Broadcasted by TV5 Monde.
Dedans – bound to dance won Best Documentary Award on InShadow Festival in Portugal 2011.
The film Dedans, besides the rhythm and the quality, shows us what is beyond dance: the dancer’s struggle against discrimination and the role that is given to dance in the promotion of the emancipation of women.” – Jury verdict InShadow Festival