First Position

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Director: Bess Kargman
Total Running Time: 90 minutes
Release Date: 2011

Synopsis
Every year, thousands of aspiring dancers enter one of the world’s most prestigious ballet competitions, the Youth America Grand Prix, where lifelong dreams are at stake. In the final round, with hundreds competing for only a handful of elite scholarships and contracts, nothing short of perfection is acceptable. Bess Kargman’s award-winning, box office hit documentary FIRST POSITION follows six extraordinary dancers as they prepare for the chance to enter the world of professional ballet, struggling through bloodied feet, near exhaustion and debilitating injuries, all while navigating the drama of adolescence. A showcase of awe-inspiring talent, tenacity and passion, FIRST POSITION paints a thrilling and moving portrait of the most gifted ballet stars of tomorrow.

Awards
2012 Dallas International Film Festival – Winner Best Documentary Feature
2013 Image Award – Nominated Outstanding Documentary
2012 Miami Film Festival – Nominated Grand Jury Prize Dox Competition
2012 Palm Springs Int’l Film Festival – 2nd Place Audience Award, Best Doc, Nominated John Schlesinger Award
2012 Portland Int’l Film Festival – Winner Audience Award Best Documentary
2011 San Francisco Docfest – Winner Staff Prize
2011 Toronto Int’l Film Festival – 2nd Place People’s Choice Award Documentary

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