EXCLUSIVE: Renowned choreographer to make feature debut with ballet drama Polina.

Renowned French choreographer Angelin Preljocaj will be in Cannes today (May 18) to unveil his upcoming ballet-based drama Polina.

Preljocaj, who is known globally for his high-profile productions with companies such as Sadler’s Wells and the New York City Ballet, will direct the work with Valerie Muller.  

“Preljocaj is very filmic and cinematic in his choreography so it’s exciting to be working on this film with him,” says TF1 sales agent Sabine Chemaly.

On a more mainstream level, Preljocaj is also known for choreographing Air France’s award-winning ad featuring Benjamin Millepied and Virginie Caussin dancing a metaphor to flight.

Polina follows the tale of a young girl from a modest background, growing up in Moscow in the early 1990s. A talented ballerina she manages to get into the prestigious Bolshoi ballet school but love takes her to France where she discovers contemporary dance.

Casting of an actress who also has a dance background is underway.

The project, which is in pre-production, will shoot in winter 2014.