Shake the Dust

Watch Shake the Dust

  • 2015
  • 1 hr 23 min

Shake the Dust is a mesmerizing documentary film that captures the explosion of breakdancing culture around the world. Directed by Adam Sjöberg, the film takes the audience on a global journey to uncover the power of hip-hop and the revolutionary spirit of breakdancing in impoverished communities. The documentary begins with a brief introduction of how breakdancing emerged from the Bronx during the late 1970s as a form of protest against violence and social injustice. The film then shifts its focus to current times, with breakdancing spreading across continents and changing lives with its energy and movement.

The film visits communities in Colombia, Cambodia, Uganda and Yemen where young people have embraced hip-hop culture through dance. Each country's culture and political climate are highlighted, providing a unique perspective on the influence of hip-hop in these areas.

In Colombia, the film captures the story of a young boy whose love for dance leads him to a breakdancing competition organized by American dance crews. Despite lacking the financial resources of his competitors, the contestant embraces the opportunity to dance and throws himself into a fierce battle, unleashing his talent and passion.

The story then shifts to Cambodia where the young dancers share their stories of the impact of the Khmer Rouge genocide on their families. The survivors find solace in the positive energy of dancing and use it to heal their emotional wounds. The underground breakdancing scene provides an escape from poverty and the constant threat of violence, serving as a symbol of hope and resilience for the people.

In Uganda, the film focuses on a youth breakdancing group who are struggling to become recognized within their local community. Their hopes to represent their country at an international breakdancing competition are dampened by financial difficulties and a lack of institutional support. Despite these obstacles, the dancers are determined to make their dreams come true.

Finally, the film captures the story of a young girl in Yemen who is determined to make a name for herself in a male-dominated society. She learns breakdancing from videos on the internet and uses social media to connect with other female dancers around the world. Through breakdancing, the young girl discovers the strength and confidence to challenge the societal norms and expectations.

Shake the Dust effectively captures the power of breakdancing as a tool for empowerment, solidarity and social change. It highlights the transformative power of hip-hop culture and its ability to unite people across disparate cultures and geographies.

The documentary is beautifully shot, with stunning visuals that capture the colors, landscapes and rhythms of countries visited. The soundtrack is also an essential part of the narrative, serving as the pulse of the film and underscoring the importance of music in hip-hop culture.

Shake the Dust is more than just a documentary about breakdancing - it's a poignant portrait of young people who are using their passion for dance to overcome adversity, promote social justice and create a more interconnected global community. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the power of hip-hop and its transformative influence on youth culture.

Shake the Dust is a 2015 musical with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes.

Description
Where to Watch Shake the Dust
Shake the Dust is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Shake the Dust for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2015
  • Runtime
    1 hr 23 min
  • Language
    English