Film review: Bleu Tango directed by Marion Chuniaud
Bleu Tango, directed by Marion Chuniaud, is a 12-minute documentary that centres on the life of Azalia Kaviani, a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur from Montreal. The film, supported by the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, The Canada Council for the Arts and in post-production by PRIM Centre d’artistes creation support program, follows Kaviani on her powerful and determined journey to break free from the social, physical and psychological constraints associated with cerebral palsy. By using art as a form of self-expression, the young woman transforms her body into a language that transcends her limitations.
Each scene was accompanied by delightful animations by Vivien Forsans that mirrored Kaviani’s playful nature as an artist, and Chuniaud masterfully captured Kaviani’s journey through an intimate and poetic approach. “I am fascinated by her courage and determination, and I decided to expand the project into a short film. People with disabilities, rarely heard from, are seldom given space to share their stories. I felt it was my duty to tell her story, with her,” said Chuniaud. In the film’s closing scene, Kaviani’s dance partner gently guides her through a sequence of movements, providing the audience an uplifting reminder that trust and guidance can always be found no matter the circumstance.
The documentary defies fields known for their strict physical demands like dance, drawing and yoga, and challenges viewers to redefine their perception of individuals with physical limitations, promoting their active role in society and the arts alike. Chuniaud made it a goal to create the film alongside Kaviani, adding, “By inviting her to be an active participant in the project, I aim to create a film that goes beyond the topic of disability and explores the place we give to difference in our society. I truly believe that this is a deeply personal yet universally relevant journey.”
Kaviani’s work has been exhibited at the Mekic Gallery (duo show Les Visages), at the Montréal, arts interculturels (MAI) in the group exhibition SalonEsque, and at the Festival Accès Asie (solo show Les Nocturnes), resonating with diverse audiences over the course of many years. With the support of her mother, Fanny Esfahani, Kaviani has embraced her roles as a painter, a dancer and even a restaurateur. Together, in the summer of 2022, the family opened Azalea, an Iranian restaurant located on St. Denis St. It serves as a symbol of her determination to create a space where she can thrive and inspire others to overcome their own obstacles.
In a conversation with Chuniaud, Kaviani shared that “When I’m hurt or feel judged by others, I release my ideas and emotions through my art. As a disabled artist, I’ve learned to deal with my condition and my limits, as well as my potential. I AM MY ART.”
