At the peak of the pandemic in 2020, the performing arts world came to a halt. Shows were postponed, theaters closed their doors, and dancers had to hang up their pointe shoes temporarily. In the absence of a physical stage, Fifth Wall Fest built its own platform online, connecting dance communities here and around the world. Since then, it has presented over 100 global films as the Philippines’ first and only film festival dedicated to dance.
Now in its third year, Fifth Wall Fest finally goes beyond the screen with a hybrid set-up of virtual and live programs. Founded by Steps Dance Studio alumna and former Ballet Philippines soloist Madge Reyes, the event seeks to bridge the gap between audience and artist, and elevate discourse surrounding dance. “The Fifth Wall isn’t just a concept anymore. It is very much real and palpable,” said Reyes. “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.”
The 10-day festival kicked off last October 6 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. Its opening night featured a screening of “Happy Days Are Here Again” by Cirio H. Santiago, which took viewers on a three-decade journey through the Golden Age of Philippine Cinema — highlighting its most iconic stars, songs, and dances. In addition, audiences were treated to a live performance by Steps Dance Studio and the AMP Big Band, as well as an exhibit showcasing photographs by Koji Arboleda and Renzo Navarro. The exhibit is on view at Tarzeer Pictures until Oct. 16.
Throughout the week, Fifth Wall Fest prepared a curated line-up of programs in various formats and locations around the city. At the UP Fine Arts Gallery, audiences can immerse themselves in film installations such as “Hoppla!,” “Movement in Focus,” and “Café Müller,” Pina Bausch’s evocative masterpiece with German dance company Tanztheater Wuppertal. Showcasing our own local dance history is the Agnes Locsin Retrospective, which spotlights the choreographic legacy of National Artist Agnes Locsin.
Meanwhile, at Sine Pop, festival-goers can enjoy more screenings like “Temporary Fix,” a film that explores the infamous Mona Lisa caking incident; “An Evening With Taglioni,” a darkly humorous look into a shocking event that occurred after ballerina Marie Taglioni’s death; and “Starstruck,” an opulent tribute to the legendary Gene Kelly. In collaboration with Archivo 1984 is Kada Hakbang, an exhibit which features a selection of Filipino dance film posters from the last 60 years.
Online, the virtual festival continues with more dance film entries from the Fifth Wall Fest 2022 International Dance Film Competition, Pinoy Dokyu Collections, and more. Staying true to its multi-disciplinary roots, this year’s Fifth Wall Fest also features lectures and online workshops, including an introductory discussion on dance filmmaking and Butoh, the avant-garde ‘Dance of Darkness ‘from Japan. To close the festivities, Fifth Wall Fest is celebrating with a party and book launch for Eddie Boy Escudero’s “When We Danced,” a collection of photographs from the ‘90s Manila rave scene in all its indulgent glory. It will be held at Power Mac Spotlight Center on October 15.
“We challenge creatives from all backgrounds to come together — film, motion, discussion, performance and more,” says the festival’s founders.“We [tell] the stories of those within our orbit, manifesting the phenomenon of moving beyond the fifth wall and engaging a community of like-minded individuals.”
Indeed, this latest edition succeeds in pushing the boundaries of experimental dance. Not only does it offer an accessible space for diverse performances and education, but it also captures the sensorial rawness of movement in every day.
“We don’t like doing things traditionally,” Reyes shared during opening night. “The last two years online have been very eventful, but we’re so grateful and excited to be here in person and connect with you. We want [you all] to experience what it means to celebrate dance from all angles.”
Fifth Wall Fest runs from October 6-16, 2022. Join and learn more at fifthwallfest.com.
