Will I Dance Again? Won Fayetteville Festival Award
The animated film recounting a survivor's story earned top animation honors in Fayetteville.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Dance
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The animated film Will I Dance Again? has secured the Best Animation award at the 2026 Fayetteville Film Festival. The project chronicles the life of Daina Bradley, a survivor of the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing.
Why it matters
The film utilizes the medium of animation combined with ballet to process the trauma experienced by Bradley following the 1995 tragedy. This recognition in Fayetteville highlights the intersection of historical storytelling and artistic expression.
The film received the Best Animation award at the 2026 Fayetteville Film Festival and has been accepted into the 29th annual Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival.
The players
Princella Smith
She is the director, writer, and producer of the film Will I Dance Again?.
Daina Bradley
She is the survivor of the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing whose life story is depicted in the film.
Alfre Woodard
She is an acclaimed actress who serves as the narrator for the film.
Misty Copeland
She is a renowned principal dancer who provides voice work for the project.
Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival
This is an Oscar-qualifying event currently hosting its 29th annual edition.
The details
Written, directed, and produced by Princella Smith, the film adapts Bradley's survival story through animation and ballet movements. The production features narration by Alfre Woodard and voice performances from Misty Copeland, Shea Smith, and Buddy Campbell.
Timeline
The Oklahoma City Bombing occurred in 1995.
Princella Smith met Daina Bradley in 2016.
The Fayetteville Film Festival took place in 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This project reflects a broader movement in independent animation to tackle complex historical trauma through non-traditional visual mediums. By securing spots at Oscar-qualifying festivals, the film positions itself within a competitive landscape of prestige documentaries and shorts.
Viewers can anticipate future screenings of the film as it proceeds to the 29th annual Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival. Because the festival is Oscar-qualifying, local audiences may see increased opportunities to engage with the work during its wider exhibition run.
The takeaway
The film demonstrates how animation can provide a unique lens for reflecting on survival and personal history. It serves as a reminder of the artistic efforts required to keep individual stories of tragedy from being lost to time.
Further reading
Explore more local performances and related artistic events on our Dance page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Home Page.
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