Joika: The brutal world of the Bolshoi Ballet

Founded in 1776, Moscow's Bolshoi Ballet Academy is one of the world's oldest and most renowned, with more than 200 dancers.

The notoriously punishing, elite world they exist in takes centre stage in Joika - the first-ever film collaboration between New Zealand and Poland.

Based on a true story, the film follows Joy Womack - a 15-year-old Texan who joins the Bolshoi Ballet with hopes of becoming a Prima Ballerina.

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Very few Americans are ever accepted into The Bolshoi, yet Womack remains determined, and it soon seems at any cost - putting both her physical and mental health at risk.

One character quips, "The company is like Russian royalty. You have more chances to dance on the moon."

The legendary ballet teacher Tatiyana Volkova is portrayed by Diane Kruger, while Womack is played by US actor Talia Ryder.

The two characters have a tense and unpredictable relationship, yet both exhibit the same passion and commitment to ballet.

Directed by James Napier Robertson (Whina, The Dark Horse) and produced by Tom Hern (The Dark Horse, Shadow In The Cloud, The Panthers), the film was shot in Poland with a Polish production crew while post-production took place in New Zealand.

The relentless and harsh winter appears to reflect Womack's journey to reaching the top. Towards the end of filming, the Ukraine war broke out, adding another element to an already challenging environment.