The first Philippine international dance digital film festival starts today
Words by Jem Sagcal | Video provided by fifth wall fest
FIFTH WALL FEST is presenting over 50 local and international films on Dance in a free online event from October 7 to 11, 2020.
The festival is an effort by the organizers to celebrate and emphasize the artistic beauty of locally-made dance films, as well as to educate and advocate for an increased audienceship and awareness of the genre.
FIFTH WALL FEST is founded and directed by former Ballet Philippines soloist, Madge Reyes. She completed a research fellowship on dance film in New York, and has decided to continue her advocacy through this Philippine festival.
Acclaimed titles such as “Elementos,” “The White Funeral,” and “Dancing Manilenyos” are included in the lineup of Filipino-made films easily accessible through their website. International film “Dance Cuba: Dreams of Flight by Cynthia Newport” is among the foreign titles that make up the mix of full-length and short films in the collection.
“[We want a] variety of audiences,” said Marketing Manager, Marga Herbosa. “A goal for us is to let everyone know that dance films are for everyone.”
Besides the festival, FIFTH WALL FEST will also include side events filled with free panel discussions and workshops surrounding the genre. The side events will include special guests involved in the production of both featured local and international films.
In the midst of the festival’s celebration of dance film in the country, FIFTH WALL FEST is hoping to use this event as a platform to advocate for bringing further value into the art of dance filmmaking.
“FIFTH WALL FEST is really a space created to develop and strengthen the dance film genre, as well as bridge the gap between local and international dance communities,” explained Misha Bernas, Public Relations Officer. “We’re very excited to welcome both old and new audiences alike.”
FIFTH WALL FEST is presented as an example of what the genre can achieve. More than anything — through most of its free film collections and workshops — it is a medium to show the local audience finding solace on the Internet, that dance can be inclusive and accessible.
