How She Moves: A Conversation with Aisha Linnea and Anya Raza

In today’s episode, Jen Ray discusses the documentary “How She Moves” with its co-directors, Anya Raza and Aisha Linnea. All of us Frameformers had the opportunity to see this film at Dancinema’s 2021 Capitol Dance & Cinema Festival at Eaton Workshop in DC and we knew right away we wanted to share more about this important project on the podcast with the creators.

About “How She Moves”: On the eve of Pakistan’s 70th independence anniversary, we follow the spirited 90 year old guru Indu Mitha, as she prepares for her students’ final performance before she retires.
“How She Moves” pulls back the curtain on her life as one of Pakistan’s few classical dance teachers. We observe her give a feminist and secular spin on classical dance, and see the transformative impact it has on her students. How She Moves, has toured 18 film festivals globally, and won 3 awards and 2 nominations.

@howshemovesthedoc @aishalinneaofficial @anyarazaofficial
Website: https://howshemovesthedoc.com

Trailer: https://youtu.be/QLxRqdkoXWw

Directors’ Statement:
When we first heard Mrs Indu Mitha was having her final performance, we knew this was a rare moment in our history that had to be captured. At the tender age of 90, Indu’s contribution to preserving ancient classical dance despite a backdrop of growing intolerance and conservatism in Pakistan, is a legacy to be celebrated. As two women filmmakers, it was a privilege to go behind the scenes into the unseen world of dance.
In a conservative tight-knit society such as Pakistan, dance is a misunderstood subject, and women expressing themselves publicly is uncommon. Indu’s journey as one of the few classical dance teachers in the country, challenges stereotypes about Pakistani women that abound both within the country and overseas. How She Moves reflects on the universality of storytelling through dance, and how it can be used to unite communities.
We now unfortunately live in a time when women’s views, lives, and bodies are a battleground in the so-called clash of civilizations. In a time when vitriol dominates and divides communities all over the world, How She Moves challenges these narratives by telling a universal story of hope and resilience.
Please note this film is not an ethnographic representation, nor meant to exemplify Mrs Mitha’s classical dance style, her innovative subcontinental music or themes, or the performance of her students.

If you want to learn more about Indu Mitha and her dance, you can reach out to her daughter, who is also a dancer, Tehreema Mitha. @tehreema_mitha/

Also mentioned in this episode:

TEDTalk by Amy Cuddy: “Your body language may shape who you are”

https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Want to submit your documentary for a theatrical and/or online screening? Want to see dance on the big screen and connect with other Dancinephiles?

Save the date for the 6th annual Capitol Dance & Cinema Festival in Washington, DC Oct 7-9 2022

Submit at www.dancinema.co/submit

Follow @capitoldcfestival @cascadiadcfestival
Check out the International Screendance Calendar to browse a variety of opportunities including festivals, workshops, and residencies. This resource is updated regularly and is always open to contributors!

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