The documentary DANCE: Generations, directed by Dawn Gifford, chronicles the journey of a dance group from Llançà who initially prepared a choreography as a special gift for their teacher's mother, Liliane Augé. The planned performance on the French island of Oléron evolved into an exploration of historical memory, friendship, and personal overcoming.
The production, which received the Best Short Documentary award at the Milan Gold Awards and another recognition at the New York Movie Awards, has been selected for festivals in cities like Paris, Toronto, and Los Angeles. During their preparations for the trip to France, the dancers discovered an unexpected connection to local history: the very journey they were about to undertake was the same one made by many child refugees from the Spanish Civil War who passed through the Can Marly colony before being transferred to Oléron island.
Dawn Gifford Engle, a peace activist, documentary filmmaker, and American educator, is the visionary behind this project. Known for connecting young people with Nobel Peace Prize laureates through the PeaceJam Foundation, Gifford has found in Llançà an environment that, through dance, addresses themes of memory, friendship, and human dignity.
The director explains that Liliane Augé herself initiated the research into the refugee children. As the project progressed, participants began to recall family memories linked to the war and its aftermath. Gifford believes it is a crucial time to discuss these events to prevent the repetition of historical mistakes like wars or discrimination.
The documentary was filmed almost entirely on a mobile phone, lending it a great sense of intimacy and closeness. Despite her international background, this is Gifford's first time taking on the roles of director, screenwriter, and recording supervisor for her own project. The international success, according to the director, stems from its ability to address universal themes such as life, pain, friendship, and the wisdom of elders, resonating with audiences in times of global chaos.
Beyond the awards, Gifford highlights the transformation of the dance group, which has evolved from being just a class to feeling like a family. This blend of dance, memory, and community has turned a small story from Llançà into a narrative capable of moving audiences worldwide, demonstrating that great stories do not always require large capitals or budgets.
