Dance Camera West’s Tenth Anniversary Dance Media Film Festival, recognized as one of the world’s foremost celebrations of dance media, runs June 16-19, 2011. The four-day citywide free festival offers guaranteed seating through a special DCW Membership Pass. For a complete list of films and show times go to www.dancecamerawest.org.
Thirty-two screendance shorts and documentaries from ten countries will be screened and a dozen more will be discussed with excerpts shown. Nations represented include Netherlands, Armenia, Spain, U.K., Scotland, Denmark, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and the
United States.
Screendance is a unique cinematic experience that focuses on the intersection of cinematography and choreography. “The festival includes experimental screendance along with all forms of dance media,” said Lynette Kessler, artistic director of Dance Camera West.
“The hybrid screendance medium is diverse, encompassing a broad range of cinematographic styles, exhibition formats, and subject matter traversing global perspectives. The festival includes everything from experimental shorts to documentaries – ranging from surreal visual abstractions to strict narratives.” The inventive shorts that comprise the three al fresco Screendance screenings are one of the festivals highlights.
Kicking off the festival on Thursday, June 16, 2011, is a private pre-screening reception at The Getty Center for invited guests and DCW Membership Pass holders. The evening’s program, “Global Screendance 1,” features nine short dance films from around the world, including several U.S. premieres. This inimitable collection of international screendance films offers various perspectives on life interactions: A solo tap dancer conjuring memories; lightheartedness in a Danish village; a herd of Frisian horses and a duet for two men; a ballet dancer from every angle; a Tibetan dancer in a Scottish schoolroom; a close look at war choreography; and a flash mob of elderly line dancers.
New this year is a full-day conference entitled “Dance Media: An Active Spectrum,” to be held on Friday, June 17, at UCLA’s Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance. This event is presented by Dance Camera West with support from the UCLA Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance. Aimed at the intersection of dance media’s artistic, academic, and commercial pursuits, the panel discussions will bring together artists, dancers, educators, innovators, and creative and business professionals from the television and film industries. The “Active Spectrum” presents a necessary forum for discussion and networking amongst established and emerging artists facing today’s opportunities to produce content across a multitude of platforms.
Confirmed conference presenters include Marc Kirschner, Founder, TenduTV, New York; Gitta Wigro, Dance, Arts Council England; Janine Dijkmeijer, Director, Cinedans Festival Amsterdam; Hélène Lesterlin, Curator, Dance, Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center [EMPAC], Troy, NY; and several noted dance media artists, filmmakers, choreographers and educators. Dinner and a public reception at follow, with an 8:00 p.m. outdoor screening of “Global Screendance 2” in the WHAT ADD
The festival concludes with two days of programming at the Hammer Museum’s Billy Wilder Theatre on Saturday, June 18, and Sunday, June 19. A highlight of the weekend will be the U.S. premiere of director Mike Figgis’ award-winning “The Co(te)lette Film,” in collaboration with Dutch choreographer Ann Van den Broek. Co(te)lette” is an intimate piece for three female dancers caught in a vicious circle between desire and fulfillment. A director’s talk and separate Q and A on June 18 with Mr. Figgis will explore the cinematographic adaptation of the dance performance by choreographer Ann Van den Broek. A VIP reception will follow.
Throughout history, dance has always reflected – and influenced – historic events. On Sunday, June 19, three documentaries show why dance is central to who we are. “Claude Bessy: Lignes d’une vie (Traces of a Life)” provides an intimate look at the legendary rising star of the Paris Opera Ballet during World War II who went on to become a dance partner of Gene Kelly. In “Never Stand Still,” Merce Cunningham, Mark Morris and others share the remarkable story of how an abandoned Massachusetts farm evolved after the Great Depression into the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and an internationally renowned nexus for dance. In “Sutra,”celebrated choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui presents a profoundly imagined show inspired by the skill, strength and spirituality of the Buddhist monks of the Shaolin Temple of Henan Province, established 495 AD in China.These free screenings will also be held in the Billy Wilder Theatre.
“Dance media stirs the imagination and has an immeasurable ability to impact the way we perceive art in life,” said artistic director Lynette Kessler. “Audiences, whether or not they are dancers, will be treated to transformative visual experiences that merge performance and cinematic aesthetics. Dance Camera West seeks to ensure that Los Angeles remains an international hub for dance media, inspiring and supporting artists and audiences from all corners of the globe. We are bringing together the best in today’s dance media to help commemorate our tenth anniversary.”
Dance Camera West founder and executive/artistic director Lynette Kessler is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and media artist with an MFA in Dance from the University of Michigan and a BFA in Dance from York University in Toronto. Known for her innovative collaborations and dance work for the screen that have been shown in film festivals worldwide, Kessler has received numerous awards including a Lester Horton Dance Award, Alden B. Dow Creativity Fellowship, and an artist residency at Headlands Center for the Arts. Kessler sits on the board of directors for the Buckminster Fuller Institute and the California Ear Unit. She is an active member of the advocacy groups: Arts for LA, California Arts Advocates, and Americans for the Arts. And she’s also on the Media Arts Advisory Committeen to guide the new Media Arts initiative creating a fifth arts discipline for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).
Thursday, June 16, 2011
7:00 p.m.
OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION AND SCREENING: Global Screendance 1
Kicking off the 10th Anniversary of Dance Camera West are nine short dance films from Netherlands, Spain, U.K., Denmark, and U.S.A. including several US Premieres. A collection of international screendance films offering life perspectives. Solo tap dancer conjuring memories, light-heartedness in a Danish village, a herd of horses and a duet for two men, a ballet dancer from every angle, a Tibetan dancer in a Scottish
schoolroom, a close look at war choreography, and a flash mob of elderly line dancers. The Getty Center – Harold M. Williams Auditorium 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045 (310.440.7330; www.getty.edu)
Friday, June 17, 2011
DANCE MEDIA: AN ACTIVE SPECTRUM: A FULL-DAY CONFERENCE
This event is presented by Dance Camera West with support from the UCLA Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance.
1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Conference and Public Outdoor Screening
1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Dance Media: An Active Spectrum Conference
Today’s media makers create work with a multitude of platforms in mind. The “active spectrum” of opportunity includes multi-screen installations, mobile applications, websites, online social networks, and more. DCW’s special anniversary panel discussion program will look at the transmedia storytelling approach that offers creators an opportunity to aggregate fragmented audiences by adapting productions to new modes of presentation. The day will bring together artists, dancers, educators, innovators, along with creative and business professionals from the television and film industries who are intrigued by collaboration between the dance and film worlds. Why are we making this work and who is going to see it?
Panel Discussions and Presentations at Glorya Kaufman Hall, UCLA
UCLA Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance –Glorya Kaufman Hall120 Westwood Plaza, Suite 150, Los Angeles, CA, 90095 (310-825-3951; www.wac.ucla.edu) FREE Admission, no reservations required; seating is first come first served. Priority seating through special DCW Membership Pass is highly recommended.
6:30 p.m.– 7:30 p.m. Dinner UCLA’s Fowler Museum courtyard Dinner for conference attendees. Free to festival presenters, invited guests, Conference Contributor Members, and DCW Membership Pass holders. Dinner available for conference attendees with a suggested donation to Dance Camera West. To make a dinner reservation, please email festival@dancecamerawest.org 7:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Public Reception Hosted bar for festival presenters, invited guests, Conference Contributor Members, and DCW Membership Pass holders. Donation cash bar for non-members.
8:00 p.m. Reception and Global Screendance 2
Enjoy a beautiful summer evening outdoors while viewing this collection of eight short dance films from the U.K, USA, and Canada featuring: B-boying through the forest, unsupervised children playing outside, hula-hooping, a gothic tale of psychological obsession, some tough hot dancing, beautiful art direction, a playful, ambitious, young dancer of different abilities,
end of the world love stories, and dancing with dolphins. This event is free and open to the public. Outdoor grass seating. Please bring a blanket or mat to sit on. Please do not bring lawn chairs. Donation cash bar will reopen after the screenings. UCLA Fowler Museum
308 Charles E Young Drive North, Los Angeles, CA, 90095
(310.825.4361; www.fowler.ucla.edu)
DANCE CAMERA WEST WEEKEND AT THE HAMMER MUSEUM
SATURDAY, JUNE 18 & SUNDAY, JUNE 19
DANCE CAMERA WEST WEEKEND AT THE HAMMER MUSEUM
SATURDAY JUNE 18
2:00 p.m.to 3:15 p.m.: The Last Tightrope Dancer in Armenia
Two of Armenia’s most celebrated tightrope dancers, both in their late 70’s, search for an apprentice to take over this ancient art form or face having it lost forever. Winner of the Grand Prix of the 19th International Festival of Ethnological Films, along with a dozen awards for Best Documentary and Special Jury Awards throughout Europe.Dir. Inna Sahakyan and Arman Yeritsyan 2009 Armenia (72’)
4:00 p.m.–5:15pm : Global Screendance 3
Eight short films of screendance from Mexico, Australia, Canada, and the United States, and a live performance relay featuring dancer Louise Lecavalier with choreography by Edouard Locke of La La La Human Steps. From art historical references to political statements, this program of international short dance films cover everything from Montreal’s night life, an homage to Joseph Cornell’s boxes, some Radiohead, insanely brilliant performers with directors who “get it”, and a video memorial of people from around the world performing the Tank Man Tango on the 20th Anniversary of the protests at Tiananmen Square.
6:00 p.m.to 7:15 p.m.
Director’s Talk with Mike Figgis in conversation with Krista Smith, West Coast Editor, Vanity Fair (Writer/Director/Composer) Figgis has roots in experimental theatre and music, which are just two primary influences that contribute to the creative vision in all of his feature films and documentaries. Figgis has emerged as a visionary filmmaker who thrives on taking artistic risks which leaves his audience with a long lasting aesthetic impression and visceral experience. His film Leaving Las Vegas whic wrote, directed and scored was nominated for four Academy Awards including the win for Best Actor by Nicholas Cage.
8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Screening: The Co(te)lette Film (U.S. Premiere)
The Co(te)lette Film is Mike Figgis’ film version of the dance performance “Co(te)lette,” by Dutch choreographer Ann van den Broek and WArd/ward. The dance performance won the Zwaan (Swan) in 2007/2008 – Holland’s most prestigious dance award. “Co(te)lette” is an intimate piece for three female dancers caught in a vicious circle between desire and fulfillment. The dance is a portrait of women, torn between attractiveness, sensuality, lust, carnality, fame, success, reflection, control and stillness. The
Co(te)lette Film premiered at the Cinedans Festival 2010 in Amsterdam. (CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT) Dir. Mike Figgis
2010 Belgium/ U.K. / Netherlands (58’)
Followed by Q & A with Director Mike Figgis
Reception to follow for DCW Membership Pass holders
Hammer Museum – Billy Wilder Theater
10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024 (310.443.7078; hammer.ucla.edu)
SUNDAY JUNE 19
1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Iconic Figures in Dance: Documentary Series
Claude Bessy: Lignes d’une vie (Traces of a Life) [West Coast Premiere] French ballerina Claude Bessy was an etoile (star) of the Paris Opera Ballet, running its prestigious school for decades as ballet mistress, and profoundly influencing the look of the iconic company. Americans know her as Gene Kelly’s partner in his “Invitation to the Dance.” This intimate documentary, narrated by Bessy, features rare vintage classroom and performance footage of the dancer in her prime, including works by renowned choreographers Gene Kelly, Serge Lifar, and Maurice Bejart and dancer Sylvie Guillem. Dir. Fabrice Herrault 2010 USA (50’)
Q&A with Director Fabrice Herrault
Never Stand Still [West Coast Premiere]
Introduction by Director Ron Honsa and Producer Nan Penman
Never Stand Still explores why dance matters to those who make it and those who watch it. The documentary reveals the remarkable story of how an abandoned Massachusetts farm evolved into a focal point for dance throughout the world. Its unlikely purchase by choreographer Ted Shawn during the Great Depression allowed this secluded site in the Berkshires to become the internationally renowned Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Through candid conversations with world-class choreographers and dancers, thrilling performances, backstage access and rare archival footage, “Never Stand Still” immerses the viewer in this most ephemeral of art forms, celebrating not only its value to our culture, but also to our lives. Featuring Merce Cunningham, Mark Morris, Paul Taylor, Rasta Thomas (Bad Boys of Dance), Nikolaj Hubbe (Royal Danish
Ballet artistic director), Judith Jamison, Gideo Obarzanek of Chunky Move) among others. Dir. Ron Honsa 2011 USA (74’)
SUTRA
Celebrated Flemish/Moroccan choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui presents a unique, profoundly imagined show inspired by the skill, strength and spirituality of Buddhist monks from the Shaolin Temple of Henan Province in China established 495 AD. Sidi Larbi collaborated closely with Turner Prize winning artist Antony Gormley and Polish composer Szymon Brzoska to explore the philosophy and faith behind the Shaolin tradition, its relationship with Kung-Fu, and its position within a contemporary context. Dir. Deborah May 2008 U.K. (71’) A Sadler’s Wells Production
Hammer Museum – Billy Wilder Theater
10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024 (310.443.7078; hammer.ucla.edu). All festival events are FREE and open to the public. Automatic reservation and guaranteed seating through special DCW Membership pass is highly recommended.