FIFTH WALL FEST, the Philippines’ first international festival for dance film, returns with a fresh perspective in its latest edition.

Images provided by FIFTH WALL FEST
September 27, 2023

FIFTH WALL® FEST, the Philippines’ first international festival for dance film, returns with Edition IV and a fresh perspective. Building on the success of last year’s shift from an online festival to a dynamic hybrid experience, FIFTH WALL® now embarks on an even broader journey. Evolving from a platform solely dedicated to dance films, it opens its doors to embrace the diversity of all dance forms. Edition IV marks FIFTH WALL®’s determined stride towards bridging gaps between creative disciplines and allowing audiences to engage with dance in non-traditional everyday spaces. Happening from October 5-15, experience FIFTH WALL® FEST in SM Megamall, Archivo 1984, J Studio, Apotheka, Kino, 1F Projects, and www.fifthwall.ph.

The 11-day festival opens at SM Megamall with a special IMAX 3D screening of Pina (2011), a dance documentary directed by Wim Wenders. It revolves around capturing the talent and ingenuity of the late pioneer of German dance theater Pina Bausch. With this being open to the public and free of charge, all kinds of audiences can look forward to a mesmerizing experience as dancers of Wuppertal Tanztheater grace the big screen, expressing the commonality we all share: life. This event is supported by the Goethe-Institut Manila, in partnership with SM Cinemas.

Diverse lineup of films and more

Keeping with the tradition of its past editions, FIFTH WALL® boasts a diverse lineup of dance films from local and international filmmakers. Cinematic gems to watch out for include: Romance (2023) by Samatha Shay, a Fulbright scholar who worked with Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch; Urban Genesis (2023) by Fu Le, this year’s Competition winner; A Strange Loop (2022) featuring the musical score of Filipino violinist Alfonso ‘Coke’ Bolipata, and the list goes on. Films will be screened in both large and small capacity theaters across Metro Manila. Select films will also be accessible for home viewing through their digital platform.

In conjunction with the films is the BLACK BOX—FIFTH WALL FEST’s very own space for engagement and education. Transcending the traditional notion of a four-walled performance space, this platform opens dialogues for movement to all kinds of speakers, movers, and listeners. Art leaves you with something to think about, and the BLACK BOX is the best place to process what you’ve witnessed, to learn a thing or two about the art, the artist, and yourself.

Dance from all angles

With dance as the essence of the Festival, it will feature live performances where audiences can savor dance beyond the screen, beyond the stage, and beyond the fourth wall. Anticipate 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 their in-house DJs. In addition to performances, festivalgoers will have the opportunity to explore the intersection of movement, visual arts, and sound through immersive installations.

Concluding the festival on a high note

As the curtains close on the dance-filled festival, it returns to SM Megamall, culminating with Cunningham (2019) by director Alla Kovgan. “An exhilarating testament to documentaries as a boundless form of art,” the film traces the artistic journey of American choreographer Merce Cunningham through archival footage and his seminal works performed on camera. More than a film screening, the closing weekend is a gathering to celebrate the creativities and connections fostered by the 11-day festival. This event is supported by the Goethe-Institut Manila, in partnership with SM Cinemas.

In the words of Reyes, “Each edition is an experiment of how far we can stretch the meaning of what it is to present dance. Simply put: if you think FIFTH WALL® is not going to do it… we probably will.”

Join the FIFTH WALL® mailing list to receive access to the full lineup of Edition IV. Registration for individual programs will be available on www.fifthwall.ph and announced on social media throughout the month of September leading up to the festival dates. 

FIFTH WALL® FEST Edition IV is presented in partnership with Search Mindscape Foundation, Goethe-Institut Manila, Pina Bausch Foundation, SM Cinemas, Archivo 1984, J Studio, Apotheka, 1F Projects, and Kino. With special thanks to Steps Dance Studio, Film Development Council of the Philippines, House of Chi, Paraluman, Minsan Studio, Auro Chocolate, Bombvinos, Toqa, and Guijo Studios.