When Men Dance

A documentary following a group of male dancers explores identity, masculinity and LGBTQ experiences through movement and performance. Screening Monday, April 12 at the Bill Cosford Cinema at the University of Miami as part of the Miami Film Festival, When Men Dance offers an intimate look at artists navigating personal and societal challenges. Filmed in Miami, the film highlights both local and international dancers.

Directed by Abbas A. Motlagh, the film brings together straight, gay and nonbinary performers, with particular focus on the pressures faced by LGBTQ dancers within both the dance world and broader society. Themes of self-expression, acceptance and resilience emerge as participants confront issues including discrimination, isolation and shifting cultural attitudes toward gender and sexuality. Through rehearsals and performances, dance becomes a vehicle for visibility and affirmation.

The screening is expected to include members of the production team, with a post-film discussion offering additional insight into the film’s themes and production. Presented within the festival’s Made in MIA program, the film contributes to a broader focus on locally connected stories and creative voices.