What you should know about this dance film fest
The Fifth Wall Fest is one of those passion projects/advocacies that deserves much admiration as we’re only too aware of how the dance film genre is a niche interest. The ones who follow it are very passionate about it, and will go to great lengths to watch the latest and ogle at that particular fusion of originality in execution while vividly capturing movement on film.
It’s often a leap of faith and imagination that make the films of this genre stand out, and become "little miracles." But the niche aspect makes this genre one for connoisseurs and a select audience, so it may be a lonely ride promoting this particular kind of festival.
Fifth Wall Film Fest founder Madge Reyes knows all the above only too well, so it’s great to find that it hasn’t fazed her at all. After two years of conducting the Film Fest exclusively on line, Madge hosted an event at the Samsung Theatre for the Performing Arts at Circuit Makati. Guests were welcomed to the official opening of this year’s third edition of the Fifth Wall Fest that runs until the Oct. 16.
Head to their official site to see the wealth of riches on offer this week, and how representation from the Philippines is something to be extra proud about. Beyond the films, talks, and lectures, the big difference this year is how pockets of live events are also part of the program. It’s the nod to the lowering of health restrictions, and the recognition that there’s still nothing like live performing and gathering in real life.
Special guest at the opening night would have to be Sofia Zobel-Elizalde. As Madge explained, Sofia and Steps were instrumental in her entering and loving the world of dance. And Sofia is something of a mentor to Madge. It was nice in turn to see the smile and pride on Sofia’s face as she has nurtured someone dedicated to organizing a festival of this nature that's devoted to dance.
In this third edition of the Fifth Wall Fest, there are six competition entries, a Pinoy Dokyu section which features two Filipino films, and an On Tour showcase that highlights eighteen films. The UP Fine Arts Gallery will house film installations, Sine Pop has a selection of Filipino film posters that highlight dance-themed titles, and Tarzeer Pictures has a photo exhibition with content especially created by Koji Arboleda and Renzo Navarro for the Fifth Wall.
Special events such as workshops on dance filmmaking with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands and Cinedans, and a movement workshop by Mitsuyo Uesugi in partnership with the Japan Foundation Manila, Dance and Media Japan, and Dance Archive Network, are among the things to look out for.
And on Oct. 15, a closing party, When We Danced, happens at PowerMac Center Spotlight. This coincides with the launch of Eddie Boy Escudero’s coffee table book of the same title which chronicles the Manila rave scene of the 1990’s.
There’s so much happening between now and the 15th at the Fifth Wall Fest, so choose your poison, and feet don’t fail you now!