Swan Song

The National Ballet of Canada mounts a legacy-defining new production of Swan Lake, directed by ballet icon Karen Kain on the eve of her retirement. With full access to the creative process, the film delves into the lives of the dancers as they push themselves to their limits to stage one of the most significant nights in their careers and company’s history. The verité-driven feature documentary closely follows Kain and a group of young dancers drawn from across the National Ballet of Canada’s ranks. The filmmakers followed the film’s subjects for nearly two years through creative challenges, injuries and personal setbacks, a global pandemic that locked the company down, and a pointed push for equity and change from within its ranks. At the same time, the film captures the sincere love of the form that drives Kain and the dancers alike as they face extraordinary challenges and make profound sacrifices in an effort to create something beautiful and lasting.