MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Every October, FIFTH WALL gathers movement-minded creatives at its annual festival: FIFTH WALL FEST. Titled “Edition V: The body is home,” this year’s festival runs from October 19-20 at the self-dubbed “FIFTH WALL HOUSE” to be held at 35 Broadway Ave. Cor. 9th St., New Manila, Quezon City. One purchased ticket will grant participants access to all programs within the premises, including films, performances, multimedia installations, and movement workshops that explore the idea of home as both a physical location and a state of being. With something for everyone, FIFTH WALL welcomes individuals of all ages, and even their pets, to the exploration.
FIFTH WALL was first launched online in 2020 during the pandemic, as an “at-home” festival for dance films. Gradually growing its reach over four iterations, FIFTH WALL evolved into a multidisciplinary movement platform catering to a diverse range of art forms. Given the namesake, FIFTH WALL Founder Madge Reyes tells us how the fifth iteration holds a special place in her heart: “Each iteration of our festival has been a step forward, but Edition V feels particularly special. It’s more than a milestone; it’s a reflection of how far we’ve come, and a celebration of the body as home—not just as a place but as a feeling that exists within and between us.”
This year, FIFTH WALL FEST returns with a twist on its initial “at-home” format, by taking place at the historic residence of Narcisa “Doña Sisang” V. Buencamino-de Leon, President of LVN Pictures, which helped define the first golden era of Philippine cinema. Once the set for LVN’s first film, Giliw Ko (1939), and now an often used production location, the house will transform into the “FIFTH WALL HOUSE,” an unconventional stage for Edition V’s movement-centered works. This unique venue will offer an experience that “breaks the fifth wall”: blurring the lines between artist and audience, stage and seating, body and home.
Attendees are invited to explore and wander the house throughout the day with all it has to offer. Though for those more keen on learning its importance in Filipino film history, guided walking tours led by Archivo 1984 will also be scheduled. Every room in the house, along with its garden, will offer something new to discover – each highlighting the central theme, the body is home.
Edition V highlights:
- FIFTH WALL co-production and debut: Anok, a vegetative puppet show by Mark Salvatus, and a yet-to-be-named tactile large-scale photographic piece by Wawi Navarroza
- New works by Corinne De San Jose (sound installation), Micaela Benedicto (sculpture), Tarzeer Pictures (visual installation)
- Asian premieres of the films: DuEls (Jonas Åkerlund with Damien Jalet & Erna Ómarsdóttir) and Table For One, Please (Samantha Shay). Plus the movement workshop “Dose of Pleasure” by Alvin Collantes with Hideki Ito
- FIFTH WALL x Saan Saan exclusive scent “Quiet On The Set”
While also showcasing works from local and international artists, including:
- Performances: ((( O ))), Daloy Dance Company, Mari Dance, Somatosonic, crwn, Fiasfud
- Visual Arts: Aze Ong, Lyle Nemenzo Sacris, Renzo Navarro, Carl Jan Cruz
- Films: FIFTH WALL Competition winner and shortlist selection, “Abutan man tayo ng house lights” (Apa Agbayani), NOWNESS Asia selection, “Bayadiya” (Antonio Lantong Dagoc Jr., Miko Reyes, David Loughran and Gab Mejia)
- Workshops: Alexander Whitley Dance Company (VR; supported by the British Council), MAGIS Creative Space (Movement)
Just as comfort food reminds us of home, attendees can indulge in delicious offerings from Auro Chocolate Cafe, Jabroni’s Pizza, Rebel Bakehouse, and Fiasfud.
Tickets are now available at fifthwall.helixpay.ph. Don’t miss out on pre-sale discounts until September 30. Registration for workshops can be added for free during checkout. Regular sale goes on from October 1-17. Walk-ins are welcome if space permits. For more details, visit fifthwall.ph/festival or follow @fifthwall.ph on social media. Terms and conditions apply.
FIFTH WALL FEST Edition V is supported by the British Council, Search Mindscape Foundation, Steps Scholarship Foundation, Steps Dance Studio, and Samsung. In partnership with NOWNESS Asia, Tarzeer Pictures, Archivo 1984, and Saan Saan. Special thanks to Aputure Philippines, Minsan Studio, Helix Pay, Guijo Studios, nawwTy’s kitchen, Kodawari, and to its official media partner Manila Bulletin.
Practical Information for Attendees: The festival is designed to be enjoyed by attendees of all ages, making it a family-friendly event. Children (age 12 and below) can enter for free. However, a select number of performances and screenings may have age restrictions, and attendees will be notified in advance. ~ Pets are also welcome on the festival grounds, provided they are on a leash and are cleaned up after their owners. ~ While outside food and drinks are not permitted, there will be a variety of vendors inside the venue offering food and beverages. Cash payment will be accepted but cashless payments are encouraged. ~ Additionally, street parking is available at your own discretion. The closest mall/pay parking area from the venue is Robinsons Magnolia.
