Israeli documentarists Tomer and Barak Heymann are currently seeking funds to complete their film “Mr. Gaga,” about the acclaimed Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin. Their campaign was recently launched on Kickstarter, the funding website for creative projects. It contains an explanation of the project and features a short promotional video, including a contribution by Natalie Portman.
The award-winning Heymann brothers are offering donors a variety of rewards ? depending on the size of the donation ? such as being thanked in the credits, an exclusive DVD of the film, pictures and books, autographed posters and a private Gaga class with Naharin himself. ?(Gaga is a dance technique developed by Naharin.?)
The film’s genesis was seven years ago, when Tomer Heymann began accompanying Naharin while making an episode about him for the television series “Culture Heroes.” In the meantime, filming continued and the Heymann brothers accumulated considerable visual material about Naharin’s working methods, the Gaga technique and the choreographer’s private life.
The proposed documentary already has the support of Israel’s Channel 8 ?(akin to the Discovery Channel?), the New Fund for Cinema and TV, and other bodies. However, the Heymanns say they need additional funding to complete the project, in the hope of being able to release it in conjunction with the jubilee of Batsheva Dance Company next spring. They are seeking to raise $74,300 by January 4; as of November 25, 289 backers had pledged $28,111. Donations begin at $10.
The Jerusalem-born Portman was recruited for the project during a recent visit to Israel. She says in the video clip, “It’s very exciting that Ohad is allowing filmmakers into the studio for the first time. I’ve had the privilege of getting to sit in his studio and watch. And it’s [an] exhilarating and unique experience … Ohad is one of the great dance minds of our time.”
