Revival

“Revival” follows 78-year-old Chris O’Sullivan, a retired researcher with terminal cancer as she prepares for what may be her final dance performance. With no close family and a life shaped by solitary academic work, Chris discovers unexpected happiness and friendship through weekly dance classes across New York City. While finalizing her end-of-life affairs, she works to master the steps for a summer performance at Grant’s Tomb Plaza called Revival. Set against looming budget cuts threatening senior centers and creative aging programs nationwide, the film is both an intimate portrait of an older woman, and a broader reflection on aging, community and resilience. For Chris and her fellow dancers, this is not just a final performance but the first glimpse of something new: connection, joy and a chance to be seen.

Screens live on SATURDAY, Dec. 6

Q&A with filmmakers to follow

Filmmakers

Claudia Rosel is a Spanish documentary film director, editor, producer, and photojournalist. Over the past decade, she has reported on stories at the intersection of migration, climate, and conflict, living and working across East Africa, Europe, and North America. She spent four years with the United Nations in Somalia and has supported major news outlets as a field producer, for stories covering drought, displacement, and human trafficking routes. Her work has been published by the Associated Press, The Guardian, UN News and El País. Claudia is currently based in Mexico City, where she continues to direct and develop independent documentary projects.

Email: cb3977@columbia.edu

Nicola Sitch is a documentary and audio producer from Melbourne, Australia. She holds a Master of Journalism from Columbia University and a Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting from the Australian Film Television and Radio School. As a producer at Listnr Australia, Nicola spent four years working on podcasts across news and entertainment, learning that any subject can be compelling with the right narrative approach.

Email: ns3901@columbia.edu