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When Misty Copeland filmed the final scenes of the short film Flower, she was, in her own words, “very pregnant.” The experience marked not only the blossoming of her motherhood journey but also a new beginning as a producer and actor. Flower is the debut project from Copeland’s production company, Life in Motion Productions, which she co-founded with fellow American Ballet Theatre dancer-turned-producer Leyla Fayyaz. Directed by Lauren Finerman and written by Fayyaz, the 28-minute short premiered at the Tribeca Festival earlier this month and will be screened on July 1 at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park as part of its Summer in the City series.
The film follows the character Rose, played by Copeland, as she carries the weight of providing a home, caring for her dementia-suffering mother, and teaching young ballerinas in her gentrifying Oakland community. Flower explores themes of community, gentrification, and the power of non-verbal storytelling through dance.
In an interview, Copeland discusses the origin story of Flower. The idea for the film originated from Nelson George, an executive producer on the project whom Copeland met during the production of her first documentary, A Ballerina’s Tale. After attending one of Copeland’s performances, George was struck by her acting abilities and proposed a loose storyline for a film. Together, they developed the concept into a story about dance in a community grappling with homelessness. Copeland expressed her desire to set the film in Oakland due to its vibrant history of activism and connection to her husband, who was born and raised there. Inspired by the city’s youth and their artistic activism, Copeland saw Oakland as the perfect backdrop for the film.
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One distinctive aspect of Flower is the absence of dialogue. Copeland explains that silence has been her primary mode of storytelling since she was 13 years old, using movement to communicate and convey emotions. Through Life in Motion Productions, Copeland aims to showcase the power of this non-verbal form of storytelling and make it more accessible and relevant to audiences. By removing dialogue, the film emphasizes the universal languages of movement and music, encouraging viewers to have a fully immersive experience and be present in the moment, just as one would be in a theater.
The film also incorporates documentary-style elements during a scene where Rose encounters houseless individuals on the street. Copeland, Fayyaz, and George spent time researching and immersing themselves in Oakland’s homeless community to ensure the film portrayed their experiences respectfully and authentically. Initially unsure of how to incorporate the footage they captured, the director suggested giving voice to the voiceless by allowing the houseless individuals to speak. This decision added a powerful layer to the film, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
Flower brought together a talented cast of Black artists, including choreographer Alonzo King, Grammy award-winning artist Raphael Saadiq, LINES dancer Babatunji Johnson, creative directors Rich and Tone Talauega, and executive producer Nelson George. Copeland reflects on the significant impact these Black male artists had on the film, complimenting the support and inspiration they brought to the project. She also highlights the importance of uplifting and empowering Black men in the arts industry, as she has often been supported by Black women throughout her career.
Premiering at Tribeca Festival marked Copeland’s return to the public eye after taking a break to become a mother. Reflecting on the filming process, she reveals that she was not initially pregnant when they began shooting but had become pregnant during the production hiatus. Copeland recalls the unique experience of filming the final dance sequences while heavily pregnant, describing how it shifted her perspective as a performer. Despite the challenges, she remained dedicated to the project, even participating in an editing session just two days after giving birth.
Creating Flower has been a transformative journey for Misty Copeland, allowing her to explore new roles as a producer and actor while staying true to her passion for dance. This groundbreaking film not only showcases Copeland’s talents but also shines a light on important social issues and the power of non-verbal storytelling in bridging divides and inspiring change.
