NYC PREMIERE How does ballet remain relevant while continuing to evolve? This intimate documentary follows emerging and established choreographers during an intense 10-day creation process at the New York City Ballet’s Choreographic Institute, where they navigate ideas, dancers, production, and nerves. Archival clips of George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins present ballet’s creative lineage, while leading choreographers illuminate the craft today. This intimate and visually stunning exploration of the artistic process celebrates the grace, beauty, and expressive possibilities of the human form. - Karen McMullen
The first screening will be followed by a Q&A with director/producers Linda Saffire and Adam Schlesinger, editor Anne Barliant, cinematographer Claudia Raschke, and composer Philip Sheppard.
All in-person screening venues provide sound amplification headphones upon request with venue management. IFC Center can also provide a T-Coil loop for compatible devices.
NYC PREMIERE Painter and master collagist Romare Bearden created vibrant, groundbreaking depictions of Black American life. From childhood in Harlem and Pittsburgh and a stint as a gifted baseball player to his expansive art career, the film illuminates his immense talent through rich archival footage, including Bearden in his NYC studios and with collaborators Alvin Ailey and James Baldwin. Beautifully illustrated with Bearden’s artwork, this portrait deftly weaves Black life, history, and creativity into the story of a singular American artist. – Karen McMullen
The first screening will be followed by a Q&A with writer/director Deborah Riley Draper, producer Jarobi Moorhead, protagonist and President Emerita of Spelman College Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, and contemporary artist Al-Baseer Holly.
All in-person screening venues provide sound amplification headphones upon request with venue management. IFC Center can also provide a T-Coil loop for compatible devices.
Event details
In-Person Date
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 6:30 PM
Venue
IFC Center
In-Person Date
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 11:00 AM
Venue
IFC Center
Online Dates
Wednesday, November 18 - Sunday, November 29, 2026
Venue
Online Screening