THEN COMES THE BODY is a short documentary about underdogs, globalism, and dance. It starts with Daniel Ajala, a self-taught ballet dancer who discovers the European dance form in the American movie SAVE THE LAST DANCE. With no ballet schools in Nigeria, he opens Leap of Dance Academy in his front yard: humble, rigorous, and free to anyone with dedication. Then in 2020 — while the pandemic rages around the world — Ajala uploads a video of his students dancing on cement in the rain. The feel-good video goes viral, putting this unlikely dance school on the map. With the attention comes new opportunities for the students — but in the sandy streets of Ajangbadi, nothing comes easily. As top students compete for international scholarships and begin to leave home, Ajala realizes the best thing he can do is be a bridge for the next generation.

Then Comes the Body

When a video of kids dancing in the rain goes viral, it brings global attention to an unlikely ballet school outside Lagos, Nigeria. Now, Daniel Ajala -- who learned ballet over YouTube -- is training students to perform on the world stage.

In a Boca suburb, a couple retire to a second marriage of freedom, play, and the world’s largest puzzle collection.

The Puzzle Palace

Amassing the world’s largest puzzle collection is a labor of love for one inseparable couple.

Filmmaker Alex Hedison delivers a compelling portrait of her friend, Alok Vaid-Menon, the internationally acclaimed, non-binary, author, poet, comedian, and public speaker. This thought-provoking short documentary explores the limitless expression of self, challenges societal norms, and inspires viewers to embrace personal freedom beyond the binaries that divide us. Featuring Dylan Mulvaney, Chani Nicholas and other cultural change makers. Produced by Natalie Shirinian, Elizabeth Baudouin and Meggan Lennon. Executive Produced by Jodie Foster.

Alok

Filmmaker Alex Hedison delivers a compelling portrait of her friend, Alok Vaid-Menon, the internationally acclaimed, non-binary, author, poet, comedian, and public speaker. Executive Produced by Jodie Foster.

“Being an urban Indian is really complicated because you have this geographic disconnection from your land and your community.” Jenna Murray is an Eastern Shoshone medical student at the University of Utah. Her most formative childhood experiences were spent on her family’s Wind River Indian Reservation ranch where she loved nothing more than helping her grandfather. When her active, 70 year old Papa suddenly dies of a preventable health issue, Jenna grapples with her dream of a career in tribal health while facing her own mental health crisis. Directed by Cree filmmaker and 2019 Sundance Award Winner Alexandra Lazarowich (Fast Horse), and Oscar winning Director Ross Kauffman (Born into Brothels, ETEAM); Produced by Oscar nominated filmmaker Robin Honan; Co-Produced by Sundance Native Lab Alum Charine Pilar Gonzalez; original score by Choctaw Nation Musician Samantha Crain (Fancy Dance).

Winding Path

Eastern Shoshone MD-PhD student Jenna Murray spent summers on the Wind River Indian Reservation helping her grandpa anyway she could. When he suddenly dies, she must find a way to heal before realizing her dream of a life in medicine.

A self-isolated young human known as "James" delves into the hidden world of microscopic organisms, forging a tender connection with these nearly invisible creatures and developing a massive online following, as he seeks to understand his own place in the cosmos and accept the scars of his past. “A Body Called Life” is a film made in collaboration with James, with a screenplay adapted from the verbatim Instagram posts of James, starring James as James, and featuring a charming score by Dan Deacon.

A Body Called Life

A self-isolated young human delves into the hidden world of microscopic organisms, forging a tender connection with these nearly invisible creatures and developing a massive online following, as he seeks to understand his own place in the cosmos and accept the scars of his past.

The untold story of legendary motorsports pioneer Mary McGee, MOTORCYCLE MARY brings to light, with stunning never-before-seen archival footage and stills, an undaunted racing career spanning thirty years that saw Mary shatter gender norms while mastering multiple racing disciplines.

Motorcycle Mary

In the 1950s, Mary McGee found her sense of freedom when she became the first American woman to race motorcycles. Mary’s pioneering journey of conquering sexism and her own fears paved the way for the next chapter in motorsports.

United States of America

Documentary Shorts Program: Blazing The Trail 

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A selection of festival films will be available from Monday, September 23rd through Monday, September 30th for at-home viewing.  Please note that not all films screening in-person will be made available in the Virtual Cinema and in limited cases, geo-based restrictions may apply to some viewers outside of Tennessee or the United States. Tickets for virtual film screenings can be purchased individually for $14 or are included at no additional cost for certain badge holders.  For more information on accessing and optimizing Virtual Cinema content, please visit Eventive FAQs or contact festival@nashfilm.org..  

Welcome! The 55th Nashville Film Festival includes films ranging in genres from narratives, documentaries, animation, horror and much more!

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? No worries. Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well.