Directed by Dawn Mikkelson, Keri Pickett
Documentary | 88 Minutes | English/Japanese
A master of Japanese drumming and a Korean adoptee from Minnesota boldly convene an all-female troupe to perform Taiko, the Japanese drumming art that has been off-limits to women for centuries. As the early menace of Covid rumbles in the background, the group faces down hurdles to prepare for a historic performance in snowy St. Paul. Buoyed by dynamic drum performances and do-or-die spirit, FINDING HER BEAT is an energizing and uplifting story of music, cultural expression and sisterhood.
Gund Kwok (precedes Finding Her Beat)
Directed by Xudong Liu
Documentary | 18 minutes | English
The Lion Dance is a folk dance from Asia that was performed exclusively by men in the past. “Gund Kwok” is the first women’s Lion Dance troupe in the U.S. Founded by Cheng Imm Tan, she and fifteen Asian women strive to break lingering stereotypes about the strength and images of Asian women.
Advisory: Mild, brief violence
Q&A with filmmaker follows film
