Am I beautiful, am I talented enough to act or sing? Will I be defined by my body image?
The natural processes of coming of age, developing breasts or feeling menstrual cramps happens to every young woman. Ann Reinking, dancer, actress, and award winning choreographer conducted an annual Broadway Theater Project in Tampa, Florida in the summer. Gwen Verdon was scheduled to lead a master dance class. My young Goddess daughter Ann Moller was going to take part.
Ann Reinking and I had become roommates and dear pals when we were both 22 in New York City. Now her workshop seemed the perfect venue for my exploration of what young women think about their bodies. Ann agreed. The Wisdom Channel wanted the project. From the mouths of young women who have just sung you a song, comes a truth that is undeniable.
https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/is-it-really-me
Hamptons International Film Festival
Avignon Film Festival in France
Santa Fe Film Festival
Arts River Run Film Festival in North Carolina
CINE Golden Eagle Award in 2003
Jury Commendation for Documentaries at the Durango Film Festival in 2005
"Seeing young women speak their truth ... express themselves ... What a gift! An intimate piece, lovingly made - everyone should see it."
Helen Hunt Writer and Academy Award winner
"A particular mention to the beautiful documentary by Brenda Siemer & Emma Morris: “Is it really me?” gives voice to ten young women. Beyond the upsetting revelations on the relationship between the human being, the young girl and her body in space, the documentary is an admirable lesson in life, optimism and authenticity that should be seen by everybody."
Review from La Marseillaise, June 12, 2003 The Avignon Film Festival
Gwen Verdon One of Broadway's premier dancers leads a master class at BTP. Director of Photography, Dyanna Taylor
A film and theater actress,singer and dancer, Ms. Verdon won four Tony's beginning with Can-Can, the 1953 Cole Porter musical. She created the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago in 1975. On screen, she re-created the role of Lola in Damn Yankees and also appeared in Cocoon.
Running time: 27 minutes
Ann Reinking - Director Broadway Theater Project
Ms. Reinking is a film and theater actress, singer and dancer, as well as an Award winning choreographer. Her extensive work in musical theater includes starring in Broadway productions of Coco, Over Here!, Goodtime Charley, A Chorus Line, Dancin' and Chicago. As a producer and choreographer she has mounted numerous international companies of Chicago. Her latest this summer 2018, in Paris.