A FILM BY BESS KARGMAN
2011 DOC NYC FEST – AUDIENCE AWARD WINNER
2011 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – AUDIENCE AWARD RUNNER UP
2011 SAN FRANCISCO DOCFEST – JURY PRIZE FOR BEST FILM
For the young dancers at the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the world’s most prestigious ballet competitions, lifelong dreams are at stake. With hundreds competing for a handful of elite scholarships and contracts, practice and discipline are paramount, and nothing short of perfection is expected. Bess Kargman’s award-winning documentary, FIRST POSITION, follows six young dancers as they prepare for a chance to enter the world of professional ballet, struggling through bloodied feet, near exhaustion and debilitating injuries all while navigating the drama of adolescence. A showcase of awe-inspiring talent, tenacity and passion, FIRST POSITION paints a thrilling and moving portrait of the most gifted young ballet stars of tomorrow.

Directed by: Bess Kargman
Produced by: Bess Kargman
Cast: Aran Bell, Michaela DePrince, Joan Sebastian Zamora, Rebecca Houseknecht, Gaya Bommer Yemini, Miko Fogarty and Jules Fogarty
Release date: Friday, May 4th, 2012
Distributor: Sundance Selects
Total Running Time: 90 mins

Bess Kargman, Samantha Gutstadt, Larissa Saveliev, "First Position", Toronto Film Festival 2012Bess Kargman, Samantha Gutstadt, Larissa Saveliev, "First Position", Toronto Film Festival 2012