Wim Winders and Pina Baush concepted the film for almost 20 years. (Associated Press)

Friends Pina Bausch and Wim Wenders always knew that they wanted to make a film centered on Pina’s modern dance choreography.

For 20 years the two talked about the project. They planned it when the topic would come up in conversation, but never actually getting the chance to do it.

However, a couple of years ago, Wim got the chance to make the movie he always dreamed of.

Together, the creative duo began the project that would one day simply be named “Pina.”

“Pina and I wanted to make the film for 20 years, but I didn’t feel like there was the appropriate technology to make it,” Wenders said. “We were basically stalling, hoping better technology would come along.”

The technology Wenders had waited on proved to be a double sword.

While the film world was evolving and providing Wenders with the ability to film vivid 3-D dances, time also plagued Bausch’s health and the legendary choreographer died of cancer.

“Initially, when I found out about Pina’s passing, I cancelled the film,” Wenders said. “But then I figured out that it was an appropriate way to say goodbye.”

When the project first started out, Pina and Wenders had two rules: 1) no interviews and 2) no biographies.

Obviously, after Pina’s death, the film’s format changed as Wenders sought to pay homage to the dancer.

“It was tough to move on, but I had a great cast of dancers behind me encouraging me to make this movie,” Wenders said. “They wanted to honor the teacher they had learned so much from.”