While other forms of expression often require tools, such as a pen to write our thoughts or a canvas to create new worlds, dancing relies solely on the movements of our bodies. To dance is to free oneself into the realm of self-expression. It’s an intimate process in which we take what we hear before letting our bodies do the work. Although some of us might claim not to know a thing or two about the art, the beauty of dance is it can still be appreciated just by observing.

Such is evident at the Fifth Wall festival, the Philippines’ first international festival for dance film. What started in 2020 as a means of celebrating dance from all angles, Fifth Wall has evolved into creating a wonderful space for the visibility, education, and appreciation of films that are choreographed in and around the camera.

This year, the Fifth Wall is bringing things up a notch with multiple events spanning over 11 days at various venues to highlight the beauty of dance. It all begins with a free screening of Wim Wender’s dance documentary Pina (2011) today, Oct. 5, at the IMAX theater at SM Megamall. It revolves around capturing the talent and ingenuity of the late pioneer of German dance theater, Pina Bausch. The best part is the screening is free for anyone to enjoy, meaning all are welcome to witness the mesmerizing performances of dancers from the Wuppertal Tanztheater on the big screen. 

There will also be screenings of dance films from local and international filmmakers, such as Samantha Shay’s Romance (2023), Fu Le’s Genesis (2023), and A Strange Loop (2022), which features a musical score from Filipino violinist Alfonso Bolipata. 

A unique selection of films will also be screened at Kino and Archivo 1984 at the La Fuerza Plaza in Makati City, where most of the festival’s events will also be taking place. 

Beyond the screen, audiences can also appreciate the art of dance through live performances at Apotheka and 1F Projects. You can expect thought-provoking pieces from Galaw.Co Dance Theater, global choreographer and dancer Nunoy Revlon, artist-anthropologist Jared Jonathan Luna, and Fifth Wall founder and director Madge Reyes. 

Performances at Apotheka will also be followed by sets from the in-house DJs. In addition to performances, festival-goers can enjoy the “Bulalakaw” exhibit, an immersive multisensory show by Archie Geotina, Paraluman, and the Fifth Wall, which can be viewed over at J Studio. 

The Fifth Wall festivities will take place from Oct. 5 to 15. Fifthwall.ph