"RIZE" reveals a groundbreaking dance phenomenon, "Krumping," that's exploding on the streets of South Central, Los Angeles. Taking advantage of unprecedented access, this documentary film brings to first light a revolutionary form of artistic expression borne from oppression. The aggressive and visually stunning dance modernizes moves indigenous to African tribal rituals and features mind-blowing, athletic movement never before seen in dance. "RIZE" grew out of LaChapelle's acclaimed short "Krumped" which played in the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. The feature film made its world premiere on January 21st to a standing room only crowd and received a 10 minute standing ovation at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival.
"A dynamic combination of music and dance, 'RIZE' brings a heretofore unknown culture to the screen," said Tom Ortenberg, President of Lions Gate Films Releasing. "We were dazzled by its beauty and energy and look forward to introducing 'RIZE' to audiences around the world."
David LaChapelle stated, "I am thrilled. After much thought and consideration, Lions Gate is my first choice to distribute and be a home for my film 'RIZE'. I would also like to thank all of the companies I met with for their understanding, enthusiasm and passion that they showed for 'RIZE'."
Like "Paris is Burning" or "Style Wars" before it, "RIZE" illuminates an entire community by focusing on an art form as a movement that the disenfranchised have created and the true stars of the film are the dancers themselves: surrounded by drug addiction, gang activity, and poverty, they have managed to somehow rise above. "RIZE" offers an intimate, completely fresh portrayal that's dynamic and up lifting as well as being the most exciting musical dance film to come along in a generation.
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY LIONS GATE FILMS
