The Akram Tree (2011)

"The Akram Tree" follows the personal and professional life of British-Bangladeshi choreographer and dancer Akram Khan. Khan believes, "My intelligence is in my body," a body shaped by deep observation and relentless work, exemplified by his piece "Gnosis," created with seven artists from around the world. Drawing on traditions and experiments from India, Japan, Pakistan, England, Egypt, Iraq, and Bangladesh, the work blends classical Indian Kathak with contemporary dance. The film chronicles this unique human and artistic journey, often prioritizing a visionary experience over straightforward storytelling. Filmed in Abu Dhabi, a futuristic and often conflicted city with stark desert landscapes, the documentary reflects the influence of its surroundings.