Tomer Heymann’s Mr. Gaga is a unique documentary experience that tells the story of the internationally acclaimed choreographer Ohad Naharin, who created the daring form of dance and “movement language" Gaga. When he was 22, he was invited to perform with the prestigious Martha Graham dance company, and attended Juilliard and the School of American Ballet simultaneously. But Ohad would not be happy until he could do exactly what he wanted. Moving back to Israel, Naharin became the Artistic Director of the Batsheva Dance Company, developing gaga within his own ensemble. Even after achieving worldwide acclaim, Naharin continues to fight every day, sometimes with his own dancers, once even with the president of Israel, to make his vision come to life.
Meeting him at a critical turning point in his personal life, this spirited and insightful documentary will introduce you to a man with great artistic integrity and an extraordinary vision. Mr. Gaga tells Naharin’s personal story of a controversial, political, and always entertaining figure, and his constant battle for artistic perfection. Eight years in the making, Mr. Gaga traces Ohad Naharin's artistic roots using personal family footage, intimate rehearsal footage, extensive unseen archive material and stunning dance sequences. Heymann weaves a marvelous tale of what it takes to be a genius, the exhausting toll dance can take on its performers, and finally, the beauty that art can bring to this world.
Press
"Electric... riveting... choreographic brilliance... striking performance footage... Excellent. A complex, compelling lead character... Handsome and charismatic, Naharin... arguably is a genius. The most exciting documentary for fans of edgier modern dance since 'Pina'." - Variety
"As revealed in the documentary chronicling his life and career, Israeli dancer/choreographer Ohad Naharin is well suited for his role as an artistic provocateur."- The Hollywood Reporter
"The Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin is a complicated man. And that much is made clear in 'Mr. Gaga,' Tomer Heymann’s documentary about his life and work,"- The New York Times
"'Mr. Gaga' is an intense pleasure: the extensive footage of Naharin's choreography in performances over the years, beautifully captured by Ital Rziel, gives an intimate and thrilling glimpse of what he is all about."- RogerEbert.com