Emelie Mahdavian’s first feature film AFTER THE CURTAIN, about four dancers in Post-Soviet Tajikistan, is due to be screened at a number of venues and events across the USA in 2016.
-'Dance on Camera' at Lincoln Center, Feb 16
-University of Wisconsin-River Falls (screening with guest lecture), March 1
-San Luis Obispo IFF, March 15-20
In AFTER THE CURTAIN, four female dancers battle shifting cultural norms and face increasing disfavor in the Post-Soviet, predominantly Muslim nation of Tajikistan. The women weigh their love of art against economic hardship, loneliness, and social reproach in this intimate portrait, which also celebrates the rich dance and music culture of a Central Asian country largely unknown in the West.
Mahdavian, a dancer herself, has talked about bringing the film to an audience unfamiliar with Tajikistan and its culture, "Although there are experimental and ethnographic elements to the film, there is, ultimately, a story developing that is both personal and indicative of broader cultural issues."