Stages

Stages

Documentary Feature | 2010 | 83 minutes

Stages is a moving and surprisingly funny vérité exploration of the unexpected power of the simple act of storytelling. In New York City’s oldest community center, a group of older Puerto Rican women and inner-city youth come together to create an original play out of the stories of their lives. Weaving together themes of immigration, identity, aging and coming of age, Stages offers an intimate portrait of an unlikely ensemble, transformed by the liberating power of their own stories– first as they are spoken across generations, and later when they are performed for a sold-out show.

The Process

A rare feat in non-fiction filmmaking, Stages was collaboratively written and directed by an interdisciplinary team of 12 artists using an adapted consensus process. Each member of the team logged hours assistant editing the footage, then came together in weekly story meetings to review selects and discuss emerging themes and ideas. As the project moved forward, collective members collaboratively crafted the story, coming to consensus on every trailer and in-progress cut of the film. After a successful premiere and film festival run, Stages has now been featured in arts education, art therapy, social work, gerontology, sociology, geography and latino studies courses in universities across the country.

Awards & Screenings

BEST DOCUMENTARY – HBO New York International Latino Film Festival

AUDIENCE AWARD – HBO New York International Latino Film Festival

BEST FEATURE – Rincon Film Festival, Puerto Rico

Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival, Nashville Film Festival, Toronto ReelWorld Film Festival, Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival, New York United Film Festival, Orlando Film Festival, CineFestival San Antonio, San Diego Latino Film Festival, Boston Latino International Film Festival, Cine Las Americas Film Festival, Austin, Silverdocs, Docuclub Work-In-Progress Screening, Official Selection of IFP Market

Links & Resources

For more information, visit the project website: http://www.stagesmovie.com

Purchase a copy for educational use: https://www.newday.com/film/stages

Connect with the folks behind the Evolve Theater Project: http://www.phoenixtheatreensemble.org/evolve/