Merce Cunningham's Moves Come to Life In Ambitious New Film

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to filmmaker Alla Kovgan about her new movie, CUNNINGHAM.

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WDCB's Gary Zidek talks to filmmaker Alla Kovgan about her new film CUNNINGHAM.

“You don’t need to know much about Merce, or dance, to watch this movie.  To me, it’s a journey of an artist, who is completely self-made, who persevered for 30 years and got where he got. And what’s amazing to me is he stuck with his vision.” - Alla Kovgan, CUNNINGHAM director, talking about what makes Merce Cunningham’s story compelling.

Alla Kovgan, director of CUNNINGHAM

Renowned dancer and choreographer Merce Cunningham is the subject of a new non-fiction film that defies traditional documentary conventions to create a truly unique cinematic experience. Known as an innovator in the world of modern dance, Cunningham began dancing professionally in 1939 and continued working until his death at age 90 in 2009.

John Cage, Merce Cunningham, and Robert Rauschenberg. Photo credit: Magnolia Pictures

Titled CUNNINGHAM, Alla Kovgan’s film covers the dancer’s remarkable journey as an artist by melding never-before-seen archival footage and recreations of his most celebrated performances, shot in 3D. The result is a glimpse inside the creative process of a groundbreaking artist.

A scene from CUNNINGHAM. Photo credit: Magnolia Pictures

CUNNINGHAM is currently playing in select theaters across the country, including at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema in Chicago. You can find more information about the film at cunninghammovie.com