A documentary film about Cambodian dancers and featuring two schools founded by former Long Beach residents will debut tonight, Monday, Nov. 24, at Chapman University at 7 p.m. at the Folino Theatre, 283 N. Cypress in Orange.
"Giant Steps" was made by students at Chapman University and filmed on site in Cambodia and is about two nonprofit nongovernmental organizations near Phnom Penh that sponsor two very different forms of dance.
One, Khmer Arts Academy, was founded by Sophiline Shapiro and operated out of Long Beach where she still maintains a studio. A survivor of the Cambodian genocide, Shapiro was trained in classical dance in her homeland after the downfall of the Khmer Rouge. Shapiro now teaches traditional Apsara dance in a studio outside of Phnom Penh. Her dancers tour internationally and recently performed in Los Angeles.
The other group, Tiny Toones, was founded by Tuy Sobil, a former gang member from Long Beach who was deported to Cambodia. He now teaches break dancing to children from some of the worst slums in Phnom Penh.
The screening is free and open to the public and includes a Q-and-A with
student filmmakers and a reception with live Cambodian music and
ethnic cuisine following the film.
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