Sajda: A Celebration
A joyful celebration of movement and memory, Sajda: A Celebration captures the radiant spirit of Sajda Musawwir Ladner, an extraordinary dancer whose joy transcends time and space. Filmed by Gabri Christa just two months before her sudden passing, this short film is a dedication to Sajda's unique grace and energy, forever immortalized through dance.
about the film
Directed by Gabri Christa, Sajda: A Celebration is a brief but powerful exploration of joy, rhythm, and memory. With a runtime of just 1:42 minutes, this experimental short is a snapshot of a moment in time—an intimate portrait of a woman whose life has been shaped by dance, and whose presence continues to inspire those lucky enough to witness it.
At the heart of Sajda is the uncontainable vitality of an 80-year-old woman who continues to dance with the same passion and rhythm as she did decades ago. The footage in Sajda was originally filmed for Sheila, a previous project by Gabri Christa, but couldn't be included. However, it was clear that the world needed to see Sajda in her full glory. Thus, this short film was born, inviting us into the exuberance of Sajda's dance and life.
The film is accompanied by a soundtrack of John Coltrane’s evocative music, which underscores the spiritual depth of Sajda's movement. Through the lens of Christa's camera and the expert editing of Guy deLancey, Sajda: A Celebration becomes a tribute not only to Sajda but to the enduring power of dance as a language that transcends age and time.
I filmed Sajda Musawwir Ladner in July 2021 for a film project starring her dear friend Sheila Rohan. The beautiful dancing of Sajda didn't make the cut for the SHEILA project, but luckily now she has her own film So here she is, in all her glory, dancing. Just two months before her sudden passing.
— Gabri Christa, The Scholar & Feminist Online
About Sajda Musawwir Ladner
Sajda Musawwir Ladner, a pioneering force in Staten Island’s cultural landscape, was a dancer, educator, designer, and community leader whose impact stretched across more than five decades. Born in Harlem and raised in West Brighton, Sajda became one of the founding members of the Universal Temple of the Arts (UTA), an organization dedicated to supporting and elevating artists of color. As UTA’s artistic and executive director, she led numerous programs that brought together music, dance, and poetry to enrich the local community, especially its youth.
A professional dancer and costume designer, Sajda was known for her joyful spirit and deep commitment to using the arts as a tool for unity and social change. Her work was instrumental in the creation of the Staten Island Jazz Festival and many other cultural initiatives that celebrated diversity and fostered brotherly love.
Sajda was a beloved figure in her community, honored by the NAACP, the Coalition of Staten Island Women’s Organizations, and various elected officials for her tireless advocacy for the arts and youth. Above all, her work was driven by a simple yet profound belief: that the art of living is something we all share, and that creativity has the power to transform lives.
BOOKING & CONTACt
To bring Sajda to your film festival or screening or to book a community engagement workshop, please contact Gabri Christa.
Credits
Christa, Gabri, director. Sajda: A Celebration. 2021. 1:42 min.
Director: Gabri Christa
Dancer: Sajda Musawwir Ladner
Camera & Direction: Gabri Christa
Editor: Guy deLancey
Music: Excerpts of John Coltrane
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