Inspired by New York's Bubble_T, ” An Asian/Pacific/Queer collective focused on supporting and lifting the community”, filmmaker Alexandra Cuerdo frames her own personal struggles. Both a celebration and an explanation of necessity for such communities, “Dancing On My Own” offers an insight into the lives of those who have found their own family within the collective.
“Dancing On My Own“ is screening at CAAMFest Forward
The short opens up on a strong note, with a playful recreation of what her early experience with coming out to her mother was like. While the scenario is understandably awkward and an unfortunate reality for many, it frames the celebratory tone of the rest of the mini-doc as the film transitions into interviews with members and patrons of Ney York's Bubble_T, showing that the stigma around orientation can be a driving force towards building stronger bonds later in life, a welcomed dose of optimism for those feeling isolated in their feelings.
The movie captures the atmosphere with stylistic vignettes of performers and the audience, in a sleek presentation. These sequences give the film a strong visual identity to draw in the audience, but the subsequent interviews become the defining draw to the production.
While every story offers some insight to both personal battles members of the collective face, along with their reasons to celebrate, there is one sentiment that resonates stronger than others: The fact that Bubble_T was born out of necessity of prejudice within the queer community and anti-Asian sentiments. Additionally, while the organization is beloved and the members offering a space to openly celebrate, there is also a desire for there to be no need for Asian specific events.
This statement may surprise some outside of the community, but speaks strongly to the passion of a community for a safe space for all, outside of places they need to create themselves. Ultimately, this sentiment adds a sense of tragedy to the tone of celebration and glamour, but its necessity is key towards inciting positive change.
Alexanddra Cuerdo closes her production with an interview with her mom and her insights into her identity. While it is somewhat uncertain how the initial reaction of coming out played out over the years, the mother's willing embrace and love of her daughter further gives reason for those facing adversity to not see the situation as futile.
A short love letter to a vibrant and supportive community, mixed with an introspective look at the past, makes Alexandra Cuerdo's “Dancing On My Own” is a powerful and enlightening experience.
