Watch Kids' Reviews of
ASCENT

What a lovely documentary about a dance form I had no knowledge of previously. Produced by high school filmmaker Eshaan Mani, this truly is perfect for KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals.

The documentary Ascent follows the journey of Sanjna Pandit, a high school student and Bharatanatyam dancer, as she prepares for and performs her arangetram, the debut three-hour performance in the Bharatanatyam dance form.

I really resonated with this documentary and the dancer's pursuit to learn about the traditional Bharatanatyam form. The images used throughout the film are excellent, ranging from interviews with Sanjna Pandit to archival photographs of traditional dancers. I love some of the close-ups of Sanjna when she is in full costume and make-up. The filmmaker meshes stills with moving images in an almost seamless way, drawing you in and following the dancer's journey. The background music of what appears to be traditional Indian music enhances the film throughout, without overwhelming the narrative. I loved learning more about the history of this dance form and its meaning.

The film's intent is to share the history of the Bharatanatyam dance form and the journey of Sanjna Pandit as she studies it and prepares for her performance.

I give Ascent 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Linda C., KIDS FIRST!

What a lovely documentary about a dance form I had no knowledge of previously. Produced by high school filmmaker Eshaan Mani, this truly is perfect for KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals.

The documentary Ascent follows the journey of Sanjna Pandit, a high school student and Bharatanatyam dancer, as she prepares for and performs her arangetram, the debut three-hour performance in the Bharatanatyam dance form.

I really resonated with this documentary and the dancer's pursuit to learn about the traditional Bharatanatyam form. The images used throughout the film are excellent, ranging from interviews with Sanjna Pandit to archival photographs of traditional dancers. I love some of the close-ups of Sanjna when she is in full costume and make-up. The filmmaker meshes stills with moving images in an almost seamless way, drawing you in and following the dancer's journey. The background music of what appears to be traditional Indian music enhances the film throughout, without overwhelming the narrative. I loved learning more about the history of this dance form and its meaning.

The film's intent is to share the history of the Bharatanatyam dance form and the journey of Sanjna Pandit as she studies it and prepares for her performance.

I give Ascent 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Linda C., KIDS FIRST!

"Ascent" follows the journey of Sanjna Pandit, a high school student and Bharatanatyam dancer, as she prepared for and performed her arangetram, the debut three-hour performance in the Bharatanatyam dance form.