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MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 69 35Then Comes the BodyJACOB KRUPNICK: A VISIONARY FILMMAKER CAPTURING STORIES OF RESILIENCE THROUGH MOVEMENTJacob Krupnick%u2019s Then Comes the Body is a deeply moving and OSCAR%u00ae Qualified documentary short that brings to light the inspiring journey of the Leap of Dance Academy, Nigeria%u2019s first classical ballet school. Based in Lagos and founded by Daniel Owoseni Ajala, the Academy began humbly in Ajala%u2019s front yard with a mission to offer underprivileged children a chance to pursue their passion for dance. Despite minimal resources, Ajala%u2014who taught himself ballet through YouTube%u2014has cultivated extraordinary talent, some of whom have gone on to seize global opportunities.The documentary%u2019s heartwarming core stems from a viral moment during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Ajala recorded his students dancing ballet in the rain. This poignant scene, which captured the imagination of millions around the globe, symbolizes resilience, artistry, and hope in the face of adversity.Krupnick, a New York-based filmmaker celebrated for his dynamic storytelling and choreography-driven works, masterfully captures this narrative. Known for his acclaimed feature debut, GIRL WALK // ALL DAY, which redefined dance films and became a crowd-funding and festival sensation, Krupnick%u2019s films consistently explore themes of movement, identity, and public space. With Then Comes the Body, he builds on this legacy, delving into the transformative power of dance and the universal human drive to create against all odds.The documentary, which features stunning cinematography by Soren Nielsen and the creative input of Lagos-based producer Damilola Aleje, has swept numerous awards, including Best Short Non-Fiction at Short Shorts Tokyo, Best Short Doc at the San Francisco Dance Film Festival, and the Audience Award for Best Documentary at Palm Springs ShortFest. These accolades highlight the film%u2019s global resonance and artistic brilliance.Having qualified for consideration at the 2025 Academy%u00ae Awards, Then Comes the Body is more than a documentary%u2014it%u2019s a celebration of perseverance, community, and the profound impact of art on the human spirit.MOSTMAGAZINE