Closing Night Gala Presentation: Prison Dancer

If you remember and love the viral Youtube phenomenon, the “Dancing Inmates of Cebu,” you will not want to miss our Closing Night Gala Presentation, Prison Dancer. This original interactive musical web series, inspired by the 2009 Youtube sensation, is a “Glee-meets-Miss Saigon” adventure that paints a fictional portrait of the people behind the scenes – from a flamboyant, destined-to-be-choreographer and his gay minions to a pair of star-crossed lovers kept apart by the prison’s walls. Featuring a cast of Youtube stars and some of the hottest, rising Filipino musical talent in North America, Prison Dancer brings together the best of Broadway and Youtube entertainment.

In step with our 30th anniversary aim to not only honor pioneers in Asian-American media-making, but also to embrace exciting, new forms of storytelling, this is the first time that a web series will be presented as a Closing Night Gala presentation at our Film Festival. This special “performative cinema” event will include video, live performances by cast members, and maestro-led audience participation. A once-in-a-lifetime program, this unprecedented experience rethinks what media is and can be.

Do check out the Prison Dancer Trailer below along with one of the musical numbers from the series, inspired by Filipino boxing hero, Manny Pacquiao!