Sundance 2021: Ailey
sundance 2021One of the most universal and basic human desires is the ability to express oneself. Whether it is an emotion one hopes to describe or a thought regarding the state of society, most individuals seek some form of connection between their thoughts and the rest of the world with artist Alvin Ailey finding this through dance. Jamila Wignot's sophomore documentary feature Ailey – which screened as part of the 2021 Sundance Film Festival – seeks to capture the unique life of Alvin Ailey and the impact he left specifically on the world of dance. Where at first it might seem like a documentary focusing on a 20th-century dancer would mainly be rewarding to those who already care about the subject matter and want to become more informed regarding its history, Ailey stands as a poignant and relevant appreciation of the blending between race and the arts, showing the power this relationship can have.
If there is one thing felt within the film's 82-minute runtime, it is the passion carried by Alvin Ailey that still lives in the modern dance industry today. The film does an excellent job painting the image of a young black man growing up with a world against him. From the economic struggles of the Great Depression to the open racism from the society around him, Alvin Ailey was faced with hardship and found an escape through dance. One cannot help but become captivated by the sheer tenacity shown by Ailey, and the film is careful to give him time to breathe as a human. Rather than just focusing on the art that he created, the film dedicates time to show the emotions and life of Ailey as a human which is clearly the right move when it comes to gaining engagement from the audience.
The film also carries an inherent weight in its conversation surrounding race considering the conversation is hauntingly similar at points to the modern conversation surrounding the same topic. It is equally depressing and frustrating to see that even a decade later, these issues have not been solved and even if the film doesn't necessarily bring much new to this conversation, it is relevant enough to still hold an impact.
Similar to the recent documentary No Ordinary Man, Ailey also finds a modern relevance by bringing Alvin Ailey's lasting impact on the world to life. From the opportunities provided by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater which Ailey founded in 1958 to his identity as a role model for other individuals of color looking to get into the arts, even when looking at the past Ailey understands the importance of showing the modern relevance of its subject matter. The work and impact of Alvin Ailey didn't die in 1989 but lives on to today and arguably is more relevant than ever. It is near impossible to not watch Ailey and get a deep appreciation for Ailey's efforts and see why his work is important. This deeper level of understanding elevates Ailey beyond the traditional biopic and makes the film a worthwhile experience for those even not necessarily interested in or knowledgeable about the subject material.
For fans of documentaries, Ailey is both worthwhile and rewarding. Equally intriguing as a capturing of Alvin Ailey's life story and as a celebration of the impact his career left behind; once the film finds a wider release through Neon this is an easy recommendation and does the legendary artist the justice which he deserves.
