Dance Camera West 2025 - the globally renowned dance film festival celebrates its 25th anniversary

Dance Camera West (DCW), the Los Angeles-based nonprofit committed to exploring the possibilities for dance in the context of cinema, celebrates the 25th anniversary of its renowned international festival, “Dance Camera West 2025.”

The festival will take place on Wednesday, January 29, to Sunday, February 2, 2025. Most of the programming will take place at Barnsdall Gallery Theatre atop the beautiful hilltop Barnsdall Art Park (4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027) with a special presentation at The Philosophical Research Society (3910 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027). Understanding the financial strain many are currently facing due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, DCW is introducing pay-what-you-can ticket options for festival passes, single screenings, and the five-day Co-Creation Lab.

For the most up-to-date festival schedule, ticket links, and film guide, please visit https://dcw.eventive.org/welcome 

For information regarding the fire situation in Los Angeles as it relates to DCW 2025, please see this FAQ page: https://www.dancecamerawest.org/faq

Dance Camera West 2025 will showcase a curated selection of 50+ films from 20 countries that represent the pinnacle of dance film creativity—each making its World, U.S., or Los Angeles premiere. This year, DCW’s programs will include its signature VISIBILITY program; a World Premiere feature documentary by Benjamin Millepied’s Paris Dance Project; LA POPS UP, curated by Kitty McNamee|Hysterica, celebrating L.A.’s unique industry choreographers; plus a reprise screening of Wim Wenders’ iconic dance film PINA in 3D.

This year’s premieres for short and documentary films are by artists including Ryan Heffington, Mike Tyus & Luca Renzi, Nina McNeely, Sara Silkin, Gabri Christa, Cara Hagan, Mitchell Rose, Keith Glassman, Kate Weare, and more. DCW’s 2025 edition will also include the five-day Co-Creation Lab for filmmakers and dancers, artist Q&As, and receptions to enrich the community experience.

The festival’s films were chosen by the DCW 2025 Preview Committee comprised of a diverse group of 35 L.A.-based artists who represent both emerging and established members of performance and film communities, and a broad range of identities.

The 2025 awards are in five categories:

• Best Experimental Short
• Best Student/First Film
• Best Documentary Short
• Best Documentary Feature
• Outstanding Achievement Award

Program highlights include:

Dance Map (Dense) World Premiere. This one-hour film, narrated by Benjamin Millepied, explores dance's impact on Paris through the lives of four Parisians, weaving in passages from Italo Calvino’s “Invisible Cities.” Inspired by “La Ville Dansée,” a 2024 festival featuring 12 choreographers across Paris, the film highlights the city’s hidden stories through movement. Directed by Fabien Truong and co-produced by L.A. Dance Project and Paris Dance Project, with support from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

LA POPS UP celebrates the vibrant cultural fabric of Los Angeles through an eclectic lineup of contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, bharatanatyam, and more. Featuring visionary artists like Ryan Heffington, Mike Tyus, and Nina McNeely, this dynamic program showcases the personal artistry of choreographers shaping performance on screens while challenging the commercial spotlight to reveal their authentic creative voices.

PINA in 3D. Wim Wenders’ Oscar-nominated tribute to choreographer Pina Bausch reimagines her groundbreaking work for the big screen. Featuring stunning performances by the Tanztheater Wuppertal ensemble, the film is a vivid, moving homage to Bausch’s genius, blending her iconic choreography with the immersive power of 3D cinema.

Full festival schedule, ticket links, and film guide can be found at https://dcw.eventive.org/welcome

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