Even I’m surprised that this is one my favorites of the year, a totally unknown film that chronicles the Norwegian National Ballet’s staging of a new version of Swan Lake, but it’s just completely mesmerizing filmmaking. Playing at an hour, the smash opening night selection for last year’s Dance on Film series is one of those experiences that reminds you of just what’s involved in the staging of art, the incredible array of talents that labor behind the scenes, the craftspeople we never see or hear from, the immensity of the whole production—which in this case includes even plumbers and structural engineers—in addition to the dancers, choreographers, and composers who suck up all the light. But it’s a heartwarming and rousing tribute because the filmmaking itself is so stunning and lyrical. – Brian Ackerman, Programming Director