Fly Baby Fly & Panel Discussion: Life-Changing Art, Art-Changing Life — Ryan Heffington and the Power of Mentorship
Directed by Stacey Lee
Produced by William Crouse
United States | English | 22' | Dance, Art, Performance, LGBTQ+
OPENING NIGHT PANEL – 7:00 PM Friday 8/15. Doors at 6:15 PM
⚡ Life-Changing Art, Art-Changing Life — Ryan Heffington and the Power of Mentorship ⚡
In a world where movement becomes memory and dance becomes healing, join us for a rare behind-the-scenes look at how artistry can transform trauma—and vice versa. This panel features an in-competition screening of FLY BABY FLY, a stylized and emotionally raw portrait of choreographer Ryan Heffington (Euphoria, Chandelier, tick, tick…BOOM!) as he develops a deeply personal Broadway-bound show in the Mojave Desert.
Through dance, Ryan confronts the shadows of his past and reclaims his narrative alongside a trusted circle of collaborators. After the film, Ryan joins us for a conversation about the alchemy of storytelling through movement, the responsibility of mentorship, and the radical vulnerability it takes to turn pain into performance.
As part of this special evening, Ryan will be honored with the inaugural Vanguard Award, recognizing outstanding trailblazing contributions that have had a profound impact on film, television, and moving images.
Expect honesty, connection, and a glimpse into the transformative power of art that dares to go deep.
The film closest to my heart this year, Fly Baby Fly, is so many things: a stunning portrait of one of the most influential choreographers of our time, a true reflection of what it feels like to be a dancer, and a window to peer into the creative process. Director Stacey Lee invites us into Ryan’s warm, wonderful world as he creates in his own home a new work about his life. The experience is transformational, not just for the artists we witness onscreen, but also for us as viewers, who I’m sure will leave the film crackling with at least a spark of Ryan’s contagious passion, rigor, and creativity.
-Anna K. Long, Associate Programmer