Musical Globe

Let's Dance: Bowie Down Under

Rubika Shah
Screening time  
01.03. / Wednesday, 15:00 - 17:00 Theatre 3  
04.03. / Saturday, 17:00 - 19:00 Theatre 3  
The remarkable, forgotten story behind David Bowie's biggest-ever hit record – and how the birth of MTV, and an unlikely journey deep into the Australian outback led to its unprecedented success.

In 1983 David Bowie finds the perfect location for a music video: a simple motel in rural Australia. It is a place where time seems to stand still. Old people prop up the bar, drinking their beer in silence. Newcomers are eyed with suspicion, especially if their skin is a different colour. But two young Aboriginals dominate the dusty dance floor. Bowie sends the young lovers on a tour of Australia that is rich in images. Everywhere they are confronted with unbearable conditions. This was once their land, but in spite of this they belong nowhere, and circumstances are reminiscent of slavery. This film tells the story of the famous music video for David Bowie’s song, Let’s Dance. Bowie made use of his fame and the coolly danceable rhythms of Let’s Dance to produce a video that makes a statement about the situation for minorities. The documentary also provides an image of the times, for these were the early years of MTV. The video soon became famous the world over – and Let’s Dance was to become one of Bowie’s greatest hits.

Rubika

Rubika Shah

Rubika Shah was born in the UK, but her background stems from Iran and Pakistan. With this unique background and sensibility she creates quirky yet meaningful content, leaning toward comedy, with a stern message about the world. She directed her first short film Liberty de Liberty in 2014.

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Let's Dance: Bowie Down Under

Great Britain
2015, 11'

Directed by:
Rubika Shah

Screenplay by:
Ed Gibbs, Rubika Shah

Cinematography:
Calum Stewart

Edited by:
Rubika Shah

Producer:
Ed Gibbs

Produced by:
Smoking Bear Productions

Festivals & Awards:

Tribeca Film Festival 2016; Berlin International Film Festival 2016; Hot Docs 2016; Flickerfest International Short Film Festival 2016; BFI London Film Festival 2015