The third edition of Fifth Wall Fest is back, moving beyond screen and stage that includes hybrid in-person and online events until October 16.
The “fifth wall” is the imaginary barrier that guests pass once they exit a venue after a cultural experience and once they exit a venue to return to their everyday lives. With this namesake in mind, the Fifth Wall Fest revolves around the idea of moving beyond the fifth wall in the hopes of reaching out to audiences, old and new, for a boundless celebration of “dance from all angles™.” The third edition returns since its 2020 inauguration, moving beyond both screen and stage that includes hybrid in-person and online events until October 16.
The 10-day festival began on a high note with an exclusive preview of this year’s program at “Fifth Wall Fest 2022: An Introduction,” with an opening night screening of “Happy Days Are Here Again” (1974) by Cirio H. Santiago. The film took the audience through the special place dance has within Philippine film and television history. Audience enjoyed the live performance by Steps Dance Studio and the AMP Big Band, as well as a photo exhibit featuring the works of Koji Arboleda and Renzo Navarro that took place at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater on October 6.
The Black Box is Fifth Wall Fest’s very own space for engagement, interaction, 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—fostering interdisciplinary connections and a collective celebration of “dance from all angles™.”
From October 7 to 16, festival-goers can enjoy a wide array of local and foreign dance films in multiple locations and formats: (1) the UP Fine Arts Gallery, (2) Sine Pop, (3) Tarzeer Pictures, and (4) fifthwallfest.com.
The 2022 lineup for the 3rd edition
Film: In-Person
Featuring four on-site collections in the form of film installations rooted in diverse cultural contexts—all of which capture the limitless experimentation between dance, film, and everyday life. Happening from October 7 to 16 at the UP Fine Arts Gallery.
“Café Müller” – Presented in partnership with the German Embassy Manila and the Pina Bausch Foundation, Café Müller is one of the most famous works choreographed by revolutionary modern dance figure, Pina Bausch. This film is a recording of its performance in August 1985, featuring Pina Bausch herself in Wuppertal, Germany.
“Agnes Locsin Retrospective” – Introducing a special retrospective of dance performances showcasing the choreographic legacy of National Artist for Dance, Agnes Locsin. The core of her artistic excellence is grounded on precise technique, extensive research on ancestral roots, and sharp critique of social realities.
“Hoppla!” – A film adaptation of Belgian choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaker’s creations to the music of Béla Bartók, presented in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium Manila.
“Movement in Focus” – A special collection of twelve films featuring Butoh [舞踏 butō]: the Japanese avant-garde genre that is a testament to how the exploration of movement has no bounds. Presented in partnership with Dance Media Japan, Dance Archive Network, and Tokyo Real Underground.
World and Asian premieres with special screenings at Sine Pop on October 9 and 11
“Happy Days Are Here Again” – The star-studded Pinoy classic returns to the theater. See big names such as Gloria Romero, Nida Blanca, Dolphy, Nora Aunor, and Fernando Poe Jr. boogie, cha-cha, mambo, and waltz across the screen in iconic movie clips from the 1940s—1970s.
“Temporary Fix” – Is the Mona Lisa ruined by cake? A film by Tarzeer Pictures, Temporary Fix unpacks the intent and ephemerality of motions surrounding a museum incident that once broke the internet. It will be having its world premiere at FIFTH WALL FEST.
“Starstruck” – A tribute to the unique style of legendary dancer Gene Kelly, Starstruck is the on screen revival of his choreographic gem, Pas de Dieux. Its Asian premiere is presented by Fifth Wall Fest in partnership with the Scottish Ballet.
“An Evening with Taglioni” – Presented in partnership with the Philippine Italian Association, this short film inspired by a bizarre event following the death of ballerina Marie Taglioni will make its Asian premiere at Fifth Wall Fest.
Film: Online
Enjoy a festival-at-home experience with entries from the FIFTH WALL FEST 2022 International Dance Film Competition, as well as Fifth Wall Fest’s On Tour and Pinoy Dokyu Collections. Screening from October 7 to 16 at www.fifthwallfest.com.
Black Box: In-Person
Photo exhibit at Tarzeer Pictures – Featuring the works of Koji Arboleda and Renzo Navarro for Fifth Wall Fest, on view from October 7 to 16.
‘Kada Hakbang – A selection of Filipino film posters highlighting dance-themed titles spanning over the last 60 years. In collaboration with Archivo 1984, and on view at Sine Pop from October 7 to 16.
When We Danced – A Fifth Wall Fest closing party and book launch of 90’s Manila rave scene photographer Eddie Boy Escudero’s “When We Danced” on October 15 at the PowerMac Spotlight Center.
Black Box: Online
Explore movement through virtual workshops such as an introductory lecture on dance filmmaking and a session on the Japanese avant-garde art of Butoh. All kinds of movers are welcome and registration is free of charge.
“The Fifth Wall isn’t just a concept anymore. It is very much real and palpable. With a mix of in-person and online activities this edition, we continue to challenge our audiences to explore what it means to celebrate dance from a variety of perspectives. It is what we were always meant to do,” shares Madge Reyes, Fifth Wall Fest Founder and Festival Director.
To learn more about Fifth Wall Fest, visit fifthwallfest.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram.
Banner photo courtesy of Fifth Wall Fest.
