On November 18, 2021, after more than 18 months of the pandemic, LA Contemporary Dance Company (LACDC) returns to offering in-person experiences with the premiere of FINDING MEEMOO, a film that was produced, directed, and choreographed by Artistic Director, Jamila Glass. FINDING MEEMOO stars Glass’s 5-year old son Jelani Glass Gervais. The premiere will include an interactive dance and costume installation at dots SPACE Mid City with two screenings at 6:30pm and 8:00pm. dots SPACE Mid City is located at 5632 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016 and tickets are on sale now.
LACDC – Jelani Glass Gervais in FINDING MEEMOO – Photo by Zack Whitford
Described as a whimsical film, FINDING MEEMOO features LACDC company members and the work of photographer, costume and sculpture artist Mimi Haddon “whose visual language involves the employment of color, texture, materials, and shape in costume as a point of departure.” – LACDC press release.
“The core of this project is about looking closer and reconnecting with our greatest resource: each other. As we transition into a season of healing and recovery – crafting moments of joy, whimsy, and fantasy can be a spark that inspires discovery and a reawakened sense of community. LACDC and I are honored and delighted to join with a broad range of artists to be inspired by and create in harmony with Culver City,” Haddon said.
LACDC – FINDING MEEMOO – Photo by Zack Whitford
The press release goes on to describe FINDING MEEMOO as a film that “follows the journey of a young boy who is putting on a magic show in his bedroom. He sets up his toy audience and quickly realizes that one toy is missing. He goes on a whirlwind search for the missing toy and accidentally falls into his toy chest, which transports him to another world. He embarks on a journey to find his missing toy friend and is aided by a colorful cast of creatures. All while traversing and discovering the many sights and sounds of Culverville.” The film is narrated by poet Melaina Williams in a whimsical writing style similar to that of Dr. Seuss written by Theodor Seuss Geisel, an American children’s author, political cartoonist, illustrator, poet, animator, and filmmaker.
There are two screening on November 18, 2021 of FINDING MEEMOO. The 6:30pm is a Family Film Nite screening that welcomes families or pods to purchase a family ticket for up to 5 individuals in a group to gain access to the interactive dance and costume installation, film premiere screening, and a dance-a-long with company members to learn select movement from the film.
The 8pm showing offers guests the opportunity to receive a piece of signed art by Mimi Haddon, access to the interactive dance and costume installation, film premiere screening, and a talk-back with Jamila Glass, Mimi Haddon and other project collaborators.
LACDC – Production shot of FINDING MEEMOO – Photo by Zack Whitford
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WHAT: Premiere of Jamila Glass’s new film FINDING MEEMOO.
WHEN: November 18, 2021, with showings at 6:30pm and 8pm
WHERE: dots SPACE Mid City located at 5632 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
TICKETS start at $5 for this unique film screening meets dance experience and are available HERE.
For more information on the film and LACDC, please visit their website.
Written and compiled by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle from LACDC press release by Napoleon Gladney, Managing Director.
Featured image: Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company in FINDING MEEMOO – Directed by Jamila Glass – Photo by Zack Whitford.
