TRIBAL FEST 8 PRESENTS…

“UNDERBELLY”

(A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF DANCER PRINCESS FARHANA)

WEST COAST PREMIERE SCREENING !

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008, 7:30PM

“Underbelly”, a feature-length documentary by award-winning director Steve Balderson, will make its West Coast Premiere Thursday, May 15, 2008 at Tribal Fest!


Providing the viewer with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of contemporary American belly dance, as well as one woman’s personal journey, “Underbelly” traces a year in the life of international star Princess Farhana. Shot on locations across the globe (including loads of footage from Tribal Fest 2007). “Underbelly” is as insightful, inspirational and educational as it is raunchy and hilarious! It reflects the view from the stage and the personal lives of the dancers, while covering the dance itself - how it enriches and heals lives - and addresses the raging controversy Princess Farhana generated by pioneering the fusion of belly dance with classic burlesque.


Candid interviews with stars of the field such as Kajira Djoumahna, Samantha Riggs, Onca O’Leary, Rachel Brice, Lee Ali, Rachel Lazarus Soto, Marta Schill, Politti Ashcraft, Blume Bauer and John Compton bump up against the opinions of students and hobbyists. Outrageous differences in opinion are offered by belly dance purists and innovators alike, as well as burlesque stars like Miss Dirty Martini, Jo Weldon and Kate Valentine. Performances by Princess Farhana, comedian/dancer Margaret Cho, Blacksheep Belly Dance, Rachel Brice, Jim Boz , Tempest, illuminate the range of Oriental dance styles, the relationship between burlesque and belly dance, and how each artist puts a personal signature on the world’s oldest dance, as it’s performed today.


Tribal Fest 8 presents The West Coast Premiere of:

“Underbelly: A Year In The Life Of Dancer Princess Farhana”

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Sebastopol Community Center, Main Hall

Showtime; 7:30 PM, FREE!

www.UnderbellyMovie.com (watch the trailer!)

www.BlackSheepBellyDance.com

www.PrincessFarhana.com


What the press is saying about “Underbelly”:

ZAGHAREET MAGAZINE

“Gutsy and honest...with insight into the history of belly dance, the evolution of different dance styles, and why so many dancers are drawn to this beautiful art form…You’ll definitely want to see this movie and add this DVD to your collection.”

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
“Holds nothing back!”

FILM THREAT
“UNDERBELLY is so well done and feels so complete that it almost transcends the subject matter and becomes a documentary about passion…an unexpected source of inspiration!”

FRANTIK MAGAZINE
“In this eccentric and wonderful documentary film by Steve Balderson, Underbelly captures the essence of Princess Farhana and the underground, taboo world of belly dancing…”

BELLY DANCE TV
“This story - and the people in it - represents an intriguing part of our modern culture. "Underbelly" is an artfully crafted documentary.”