Averaging 83 Years Old, the 'World's Oldest Dance Group' That Astonished the World: 'It All Started with Hip Hop' | MOVIE
LOUNGE / MOVIE
August 27, 2016

Averaging 83 Years Old, the 'World's Oldest Dance Group' That Astonished the World: 'It All Started with Hip Hop' | MOVIE


MOVIE | 'World's Oldest Dance Group,' Averaging 83, Astonished the World


'It All Started with Hip Hop'


Upon its release in New Zealand in September 2014, the film was met with widespread acclaim, leading to over 40 screening offers from film festivals worldwide, including the Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival, the world's largest. It also won the Audience Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, a key event in the lead-up to the Academy Awards. "It All Started with Hip Hop," a film depicting the challenge of the 'world's oldest dance group' that astonished the world, will premiere on Saturday, August 27th, at Cine Switch Ginza and other theaters nationwide.

Text by OPENERS





The Ultimate Documentary That Brought Smiles to the World Arrives in Japan!



The setting is Waiheke Island, a small island in New Zealand. The average age of the 'world's oldest dance group,' born on this tranquil island, is a remarkable 83! Members include a 94-year-old star dancer, a former sergeant, a veteran who has been a housewife for 70 years, one who relies on a cane, and another who can barely see.

Their challenge? Not ballroom or jazz, but hip-hop dance. The members struggle with the unfamiliar dance and music, and with bodies that no longer cooperate. What drives them? They harbored a grand dream: to compete in the world's largest hip-hop dance championship held in Las Vegas, the entertainment capital! Their unique and ambitious endeavor was reported by the BBC and The Wall Street Journal, creating a sensation in the United States.


The Hip Op-eration Crew

The Hip Op-eration Crew




The camera delves into the lives of each member, revealing that they are not extraordinary achievers, but rather 'ordinary grandfathers and grandmothers' one might encounter next door. As one member puts it, 'This is like a miracle.' A small spark of curiosity and courage to try something new attracted media attention. Artists who learned of the group's activities offered to film music videos and provide songs, moving many hearts and eventually paving the way to their grand dream of 'dancing in Las Vegas.'

Upon its release in New Zealand, the film garnered widespread praise for the struggles of the 'world's oldest dance group,' receiving numerous screening offers from international documentary film festivals and winning the Audience Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

They possess 'courage.' Brushing off their struggles with laughter and jokes, they pursue their dream with unwavering determination. Their positive and charming spirit, as they exclaim, 'Now is the most fun!', is sure to uplift you! No matter the age, the heart remains young. Laugh, cry, and let your heart dance! This ultimate documentary, which brought smiles to the world, arrives in Japan starting Saturday, August 27th, at Cine Switch Ginza! Don't miss this must-see entertainment movie.





'It All Started with Hip Hop'
Saturday, August 27th, Cine Switch Ginza and other theaters nationwide
Starring | The Hip Op-eration Crew
Directed by | Bryn Evans
Official Website | http://hajimari-hiphop.jp/

(c) 2014 Rise And Shine World Sales / Inkubator Limited / photo_Ida Larsson