Janet Jackson lines up for NZ dance flick

Janet Jackson (supplied)

Pop superstar Janet Jackson has been one of the first to see New Zealand hip-hop film Born to Dance.

The singer and her dancers - which includes Kiwi Alex Carson, who appears in the film - attended the movie's final sold-out public screening at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Jackson and her entourage reported arrived at the screening accompanied by security.

Director Tammy Davis and stars Stan Walker and Tia-Taharoa Maipi were due to host a question and answer session afterwards.

Jackson is starting her Unbreakable world tour in Toronto this week.

Born to Dance cast member and dancer for Janet Jackson, Alexandra Carson. (New Zealand Herald)

The screening is the final at the influential festival for international buyers, media and Toronto locals.

An early review in movie industry paper The Hollywood Reporter predicted the film would find an audience with hip-hop fans worldwide.

"Auckland, New Zealand may seem a world away from the heart of hip-hop culture in the US, but the local dance crews featured in Born to Dance totally own it.

"With an unusual setting, fresh faces and a global form of entertainment at its disposal, Born to Dance looks ready to resonate nearly anywhere hip-hop has taken root, which is pretty much everywhere."

Though the review singled out the film's American import, Kherington Payne, for criticism.

"Payne, who got her start with regular appearances on So You Think You Can Dance and the 2009 Fame reboot, makes a better dance partner than a love interest, straining believability with a sometimes awkwardly forced performance."

Born to Dance has its New Zealand premiere in Manukau on Wednesday September 23 and releases on September 24.

- nzherald.co.nz