Campbell has been very selective throughout her career about her production credits to this point with only four to her name. Of those four,Swan Songis the only one where she doesn’t alsohave a role on-screen. It is familiar ground, however. She starred in, co-wrote, and producedThe Company, directed byRobert Altman, which followed the hustle and bustle throughout a season at the Joffrey Ballet.Swan Song, meanwhile, delves into the National Ballet of Canada and the process of bringing to life their 2022 production ofSwan Lakewhich was choreographed by the studio’s legendary artistic directorKaren Kainahead of her retirement.
For Campbell, who studied at the National Ballet School of Canada,Swan Songwas a perfect fit for her in every way. Her experience onThe Companyalso caught the attention of McMullan and writerSean O’Neill. Citing her love for Kain, she said she jumped at the chance to board the production as soon as they offered her a spot on the team:
“Chelsea and Sean approached me about a year and a half ago and spoke to me about the project. They had seen another dance film that I made 20 years ago, which I can’t speak of because of the strike, but they had had some inspiration from that and spoke to me about their idea here. For me, it was just such a beautiful kismet, full-circle thing for me because I was at the National Ballet School of Canada, Karen Kain was my idol growing up and was one of the very reasons I became an artist. So for me, it was such a beautiful opportunity to be a part of this project and to support her goodbye to the National Ballet. It felt like an honor to be asked. I really thought that their concept was great, and I thought Karen’s concept of what she wanted to do withSwan Lakewas moving and new, so that’s why I wanted to be a part of it.”
Campbell and McMullan Both Return to TIFF With ‘Swan Song’
Swan Songisn’t Campbell’s first time in Toronto. Back in 2019, she arrived at the festival as part ofJoey Klein’sCastle in the Groundwhich would go on to be nominated for Best Canadian Feature Film during the event. This documentary was clearly a very personal project though, and Campbell had the privilege of working with another talented repeat entrant in McMullan who co-directedlast year’sEver DeadlywithTanya Tagaq. They were joined by Kain herself who is the main focus of the documentary alongside several dancers includingJurgita DroninaandShaelynn Estrada. Stay tuned here at Collider for more from TIFF 2023.
