Filipino dancing inmates step onto the silver screen
- 11 years ago
EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS MATERIAL THAT WAS ORIGINALLY 4:3
Filipino prisoners turn reality into fantasy.
The nimble troupe is starring in a new film, called "Dance of the Steel Bars".
The inmates of Cebu jail first found fame through videos posted on YouTube.
Their routine set to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" has been viewed more than 52 million times.
The film's plot is based on real-life reforms introduced by a security advisor at the prison.
Around 1,000 inmates were taught to dance - not just for exercise, but also to instill discipline and camaraderie.
Filmmakers shot inside the prison for seven days, with professional actors and about 750 inmates.
The inmates' acting skills impressed co-director Cesar Apolinario.
SOUNDBITE: Cesar Apolinario, co-director, "Dance of the Steel Bars", saying (English):
"I did not only see them as brilliant dancers, but they are actually brilliant actors. We didn't have problems
Filipino prisoners turn reality into fantasy.
The nimble troupe is starring in a new film, called "Dance of the Steel Bars".
The inmates of Cebu jail first found fame through videos posted on YouTube.
Their routine set to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" has been viewed more than 52 million times.
The film's plot is based on real-life reforms introduced by a security advisor at the prison.
Around 1,000 inmates were taught to dance - not just for exercise, but also to instill discipline and camaraderie.
Filmmakers shot inside the prison for seven days, with professional actors and about 750 inmates.
The inmates' acting skills impressed co-director Cesar Apolinario.
SOUNDBITE: Cesar Apolinario, co-director, "Dance of the Steel Bars", saying (English):
"I did not only see them as brilliant dancers, but they are actually brilliant actors. We didn't have problems