- MARI -
“One dream sequence ranks among the boldest imaginative leaps in recent British cinema… A startling level of achievement.”
★★★★ - The Guardian
MARI was commissioned through the Film London, BFI & BBC Films' Microwave scheme. Its world premiere was at the 62nd BFI London Film Festival and was released in UK cinemas on June 21st 2019.
Boldly combining the power of dance and cinema, MARI tells the story of professional dancer and choreographer Charlotte (Bobbi Jene Smith), as she prepares for a new show. Uniquely using the poetic expression of dance to drive the narrative, Charlotte’s world is turned upside down when she discovers she’s pregnant and her grandmother Mari is coming to the end of life, forcing her to confront her past to choose the future she wants.
REVIEWS
“Stirringly adventurous… One dream sequence ranks among the boldest imaginative leaps in recent British cinema…
A startling level of achievement.” The Guardian ★★★★
”Bittersweet drama with flair… It’s hypnotic filmmaking… unique and mesmerising.” iPaper ★★★★
”An ambitious, raw and emotionally sophisticated depiction of how individual dreams fare in the harsh light of familial bereavement… A promising debut and a good sign for British cinema.” Little White Lies ★★★★
”If a luddite like me can appreciate a story through dance then the story is being told fairly eloquently!”
Mark Kermode on BBC Radio 5 Live Kermode & Mayo’s Film Review
”This is a clarion call. Countering the stagnated notion that choreography and cinema rarely fit together… In an era where Robin Wright sits as president, Phoebe Waller Bridge as writer extraordinaire, Mari fits nicely into the under-voiced pantheon.” DMovies ★★★★★
”The interplay of dance and emotional expression is beautiful and often extremely moving…” Cine Vue ★★★★
”Mari’s most stunning moments transpire when Bobbi Jene Smith dances… this is seriously affecting and effective stuff…
the ambitious voices of filmmakers, performers and creators all speak loud and it’s invigorating to be invited to listen.” Culture Whisper ★★★★
”Meticulously paced and played… this slow-burning drama has a poignant intensity that is
deftly punctuated by innovative dance routines” Empire ★★★
”Intimate and understated” Total Film ★★★★
”Acutely observed and tender… a remarkable film” Sight & Sound
”The dance numbers are sublime, the realism striking. Parris’ storytelling is elegant and nuanced,
while her story will move you to tears.” Digital Fix 8/10
—
Writer / Director - Georgia Parris
Producer - Emma Duffy
Cast - Bobbi Jene Smith, Phoebe Nicholls, Madeleine Worrall & Peter Singh
Choreographer - Maxine Doyle
Cinematographer - Adam Scarth
Composer - Peter Gregson
Production Company - Small Town Films
Exec Producers - BFI, BBC Films, Intermission, Boudica Films
Distributor - Verve Pictures