First Look at Diane Kruger, Talia Ryder in Joy Womack Biopic ‘Joika’
variety.comK.J. Yossman The first image of Diane Kruger and Talia Ryder in ballet-themed feature “Joika” has been unveiled.James Napier Robertson (“The Dark Horse”) wrote and directs the film, which has started production in Poland.Embankment are representing worldwide sales and co-representing U.S.
rights with UTA Independent Film Group. “Joika” is inspired by the true story of Joy Womack, an American prima ballerina who became one of the few Western women to be accepted to – and graduate from – Russia’s punishing Bolshoi Academy school of ballet.There, Womack encountered mentor Volkova, a mentor who inspired her to jeté, metaphorically-speaking, to extraordinary heights in her career.Womack has not only given the biopic her blessing but is choreographing its ballet.
Ryder, who has appeared in “West Side Story” and “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” plays Womack in the feature while Kruger plays Volkova.
Ryder is a classically trained dancer, having studied at the Joffrey Ballet Academy and, in preparation for the film, worked with both New York Ballet principal dancer Daniel Ulbricht and Womack herself.Kruger was also a ballet dance before she became an actor.
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