Art as Resistance: Match in a Haystack
Photos by Rob Lehmann, NFAC Photographer
When Russia invaded Ukraine, the women of the country's leading contemporary dance troupe were forced to confront a painful question: could their art still matter in a time of war?
On October 3, the North Fork Arts Center had the privilege of screening Match in a Haystack, a moving documentary that explores this very question through the lens of remarkable courage and creativity. Filmmaker Joe Hill, a five-time Emmy Award winner known for his fearless storytelling, captures the dancers' journey as they transform grief and uncertainty into an act of creative protest. The film shows rehearsals conducted through the sounds of air raids, performances in bomb-damaged theaters, and the unwavering conviction that dance itself could be a form of resistance.
The documentary is both a portrait of resilience and a powerful reminder that art can endure even under the darkest circumstances. As one attendee shared, the film "made some horrors very real," bringing the human cost of war into sharp, emotional focus while simultaneously celebrating the indomitable spirit of these artists.
Following the screening, our audience had the opportunity to engage in an intimate conversation with director Joe Hill, moderated by Lynn Parkerson, Founder & Artistic Director of Brooklyn Ballet. The discussion deepened our understanding of the film and its creation, with guests describing the Q&A as thoughtful and moving. The mood in the theater was reverent, a testament to the film's profound impact.
Attendees left inspired and eager to share their experience, with one guest posting about the event on Nextdoor and texting everyone they knew to ensure they wouldn't miss "this testament to the human spirit and resilience." Others described the evening as "very thought-provoking and inspirational," noting how special it was to experience such powerful documentary filmmaking in a theater surrounded by neighbors rather than alone at home.
Events like these remind us why spaces like the North Fork Arts Center matter, they bring our community together around stories that challenge, move, and inspire us. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable evening, and to Joe Hill for sharing his powerful work with our community.