Los Angeles-based production company, Narval Films, is making waves in the film industry with its focus on independent filmmaking and its commitment to supporting Asian filmmakers. What sets Narval Films apart from other companies is its distinctiveness in having a Chinese team, being situated in the Asian community, and its dedication to giving back by supporting art from their own community. This unique approach makes Narval Films stand out and adds a special touch to their work. Founded by Aaron Yu, a writer, producer, and leader, along with co-founder Jera Wang, a creative producer, Narval Films has gained critical and artistic recognition for its work at over 100 international film festivals, including prestigious events like the Tribeca International Film Festival and AFI Fest. Narval Film’s productions span a range of genres, from feature films and shorts to documentaries and television series.
One of Narval Films’ notable works is the documentary series titled Why We Dance. This series delves into the unknown world of street dancing cultures from around the globe, shedding light on these vibrant communities often marginalized by mainstream society. The documentary explores the stories and struggles of dancers who find solace and passion in their art form. Through dance, they communicate with the world and uncover the true meaning of life.
Executive produced by Bo Gao and directed by Yun Xie, Why We Dance is a testament to the power of dance and its ability to transform lives. The series, produced by Aaron Yu and Jera Wang, consists of six episodes in its first season, with two episodes dedicated to each of the featured countries: India, Mexico, and the United States. The production included pre-interviews, filming, and post-production.
This documentary is a remarkable exploration of the obscure street dancing culture that thrives across countless countries and ethnicities worldwide. This captivating documentary sheds light on communities which often live outside the realm of mainstream society, facing rejection from the pressures of conformity. Through the personal narratives of these dancers, the film unveils their shared journey of striving for acceptance and grappling with the meaning of life. By expressing themselves through dance, these individuals are attempting to establish a connection with the world and embark on a profound exploration of their own existence. The film features an exceptional cast including Jordan Kensley, Rahul Singh, Eric Torres, Jose Antonio Cortes Mendoza, Sudana, and Hsan Natt, who bring their unique talents and perspectives to the screen, highlighting the diversity and depth of the various forms of street dance.
This series takes the viewer on a journey through the dance cultures of the United States, Mexico, and India. The individual dancers perform their craft despite many of them having overcome adversities, such as growing up in under-resourced neighborhoods, facing gender and societal inequalities, or navigating dangerous environments. The resilience of these dancers and the passion they have for their craft is truly astonishing. These stories resonated strongly with audiences reminding viewers of the hardships of life while inspiring them to pursue their passions. On launch day, Why We Dance garnered tens of thousands of views, and as of March, it has received hundreds of thousands of views on Bilibili, a popular Chinese video-sharing platform.
Beyond displaying the charm and diversity of dance, the series’ purpose is to convey a deeper message. Director Yun Xie discovered a common energy among the dancers she met, despite their differing backgrounds and circumstances. Their stories, filled with ordinary yet dramatic moments, are worth sharing with the world. The documentary serves as a reminder that every day spent without dance is a missed opportunity for a fulfilled life. Yun Xie remarked “Dance, as an art form, has the power to touch people’s hearts and convey emotions and thoughts in unique ways. Through body language expression, the combination of music and dance, emotional involvement of the dancers, choreography and narrative, fusion of visual arts, and the expression of culture and tradition, dance becomes a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects people on a deep level.”
The production is a collaborative effort between Narval Films and KOD. The documentary has been released worldwide on multiple platforms, including Tubi and Amazon Video, reaching audiences around the world.
The documentary has received recognition of official selection from esteemed organizations such as the Documentary Society of America (AmDocs) and the St. Louis International Film Festival.
Episode 3, which follows two well-educated stripper dancers in Los Angeles as they challenge societal norms and explore feminist art, was selected for prestigious festivals, St. Louis International Film Festival.
Narval Films’ dedication to independent filmmaking and its commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, particularly Asian filmmakers, has positioned them as a trailblazing production company. With Why We Dance, they have not only brought attention to the undiscovered world of the hidden dance cultures but also highlighted the transformative power of dance as a means of self-expression and connection.
Stay up to date with Narval Films by following them on their social media platforms.
Official Website: NarvalFilms.com
Facebook: facebook.com/narvalfilmstudio
Twitter: twitter.com/FilmsNarval
Fame Media
Writer Sherry Lee,
Hollywood Legends Editor in Chief