OVERVIEW

Chasing dreams from South America to the streets of Miami, talented young men fight to dance professionally despite racism, homophobia, poverty, and politics.

WHEN MEN DANCE shatters gatekeepers' expectations, boldly declaring their rightful place on the stage.

ABOUT

About the Film

WHEN MEN DANCE invites audiences into the intimate worlds of a diverse group of young male dancers bound by their passion for movement and self-expression. Behind the artistry lies a complex reality: battles with racism, loneliness, financial strain, and a rising tide of anti-LGBTQ and anti-immigrant sentiment.

Straight, gay, and non-binary alike, these dancers reveal the scars they carry—and the courage that keeps them moving. As they prepare for their next performances, each leap and turn becomes an act of defiance, a declaration of identity, and a fight for the right to exist as they are.

“As Director, Producer, and Editor of WHEN MEN DANCE, I tease out and spotlight the lived realities of artists who risk being crushed by a spectrum of societal pressures and norms. The drive, talent and devotion of the dancers and choreographers are brought into focus in contrast to the racism, homophobia, and anti-immigrant forces they must navigate."

DIRECTOR

EMMY AWARD-WINNING

Abbas Ahmadi Motlagh

Emmy Award-winning

DIRECTOR

Abbas Ahmadi Motlagh

“As Director, Producer, and Editor of WHEN MEN DANCE, I tease out and spotlight the lived realities of artists who risk being crushed by a spectrum of societal pressures and norms. The drive, talent and devotion of the dancers and choreographers are brought into focus in contrast to the racism, homophobia, and anti-immigrant forces they must navigate."

STORIES IN MOTION

WHEN MEN DANCE

is a journey into the hearts, minds and stories of six young, male Latin American, African American and European professional dancers who describe the many contrary forces they battle, while navigating racism, poverty, loneliness and the prevailing anti-LGBTQ and anti-immigrant climate.

As they prepare for an annual dance festival in Southern Florida, their lives are infused with big, hard questions which they respond to eloquently through word and gesture, while forging their professional paths.

Through their devotion to excellence, they defiantly shatter negative expectations of their capacity in a world that only begrudgingly allows their professional entry. We learn of the doors that they must kick down to gain acceptance, while they bear their souls and scars as straight, gay, and non-binary dancers.

Directed by Emmy Award Winner,

Abbas Ahmadi Motlagh

More than technique

Unapologetically seen

Behind every leap is a thousand hours

Passion is protest

Cast and Crew

This is the space to introduce visitors to the business or brand. Briefly explain who's behind it, what it does and what makes it unique. Share its core values and what this site has to offer.

Abbas Ahmadi Motlagh,

DIRECTOR

Sam Lee,
Outdoor Enthusiast

Alex Kim,
Innovation Guru

Ben Carter,
Creative Catalyst

Riley Brown,
Global Ambassador

Zoey Ramirez,
Tech Whiz

Zoey Ramirez,
Tech Whiz

Zoey Ramirez,
Tech Whiz

Zoey Ramirez,
Tech Whiz

Director's Statement

“As Director, Producer, and Editor of WHEN MEN DANCE, I tease out and spotlight the lived realities of artists who risk being crushed by a spectrum of societal pressures and norms. The drive, talent and devotion of the dancers and choreographers are brought into focus in contrast to the racism, homophobia, and anti-immigrant forces they must navigate.

Their sense of community, collaboration and camaraderie nourishes them in the face of their struggles. This film will always be dear to me, as the dancers’ interviews let me see into them to reveal the tenderness and the depth of their souls.”

Abbas Motlagh

Emmy Award Winner