IN FULL BLOOM
Dance and social drama ignite Flower, an impactful short film about creativity and intergenerational equity. BY CRISTINA CUOMO
PURIST: You describe this work as “art activism.” What does that mean to you, and what inspired you to make this film?
Misty Copeland: Creating a movement and making a difference through art sparks social change. We were inspired to make Flower to show what the future of ballet can look like, telling stories that reflect our communities and bring awareness to issues those communities are experiencing. Leyla Fayyaz: To me as a producer, “art activism” is using art for the greater good, to inspire and move our societies forward. For so long, people have been going to the ballet and seeing classical ballets with storylines that are no longer relevant. It’s almost become a high society rite of passage. But imagine if we take this experience and make it more impactful, more relevant and empowering—and most importantly, more accessible. How can we use the incredible talents of these artists to tell stories that will inspire progress with their gifts? PURIST: What was the process like filming Flower?
Misty Copeland and Babatunji Johnson share a tender moment in Flower. 86
Flower/Life in Motion Productions
Misty Copeland, the first African American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, is the star and co-producer of Flower, a 28-minute film that employs contemporary dance and turf dance, a style that originated in Oakland, California, to tell a story about housing insecurity, gentrification and the power of art. Directed by Lauren Finerman, the mostly silent short explores the relationship between a young dancer, played by Copeland, and her mother (Christina Johnson). The daughter must prioritize the care of her ailing mother over pursuing her dreams, while dealing with rising rents and unsettling socioeconomic shifts within the neighborhood. Flower is the first project of Life in Motion Productions, a production company founded by Copeland and lifelong friend Leyla Fayyaz. Purist speaks with the creative collaborators.