Once in a while, a movie preview lands in Queerguru’s in-tray that simply blows our minds away.  It played at Sundance and had the same effect on all the cinephiles there … it was nominated for two awards, including the prestigious Grand Jury Prize…. and it won the Best Director award for Josef Kubota Wladyka

HA-CHAN, SHAKE YOUR BOOTY is NOT a queer film BUT we know that most kif you reading this will love it too.  It’s the story of Haru and Luis who love competing in Tokyo’s ballroom dance scene, but after tragedy strikes, Haru withdraws into isolation. When friends coax her back to the studio, she develops an infatuation with the new instructor. She must face what comes next as sparks fly.

Polish/Japanese Director Josef Kubota Wladyka’s effervescent depiction of a woman dancing through her grief is as heartwarming as it is fun. Visually bold and brimming with whimsy yet grounded in emotional truth, the film pulses with vivid colors, vibrant music, and zesty characters. Acclaimed actress Rinko Kikuchi brings profound sensitivity and endearing charm to the role of Haru, deftly balancing the weight of a mourning widow with the spark of newfound desire. Breakout dance numbers offer a window into her fantastical imagination, featuring invigorating choreography matched by a camera that feels just as kinetic. While the film is anchored by processing grief, Haru’s journey bursts with so much messy life that it serves as a joyous reminder of the beauty of living, and living full out. —