FRAME, the London dance film festival, recently announced its full programme. Presented by BalletBoyz in association with Dancescreen, the programme of film screenings, performances, free public events, family activities and workshops looks set to delight audiences at the first ever festival. A Gene Kelly retrospective including dance films from across the decades will also feature, in addition to industry talks with leading filmmakers, broadcasters and choreographers.
The vast programme will take place from 9-12 June in Kingston-upon-Thames, London. The festival is set to offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the best creative talent in dance and film to the general public, as well engaging broadcasters, video artists and choreographers. Over three days, there will be over 122 films screened with 11 World Premieres, 8 International, 4 European and 28 UK Premieres amongst the new work. These will be classic films for all ages led by a celebration of Gene Kelly, dance performances and outdoor and family activities too.
In terms of film screenings, the contribution of British filmmaking to musicals over the last 40 years includes presenting FAME (1980), STREETDANCE (2010), HAPPY FEET (2006) and DESERT DANCER (2014). FRAME will then pay tribute to the Golden Age of Hollywood with a celebration of one of its greatest dance stars, Gene Kelly. SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (1952) will be screened alongside the rarely seen INVITATION TO THE DANCE (1956), and THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT! (1974), a compilation of moments from MGM musicals featuring Kelly, Fred Astaire and Liza Minnelli.
FRAME has created a wide-ranging series of talks and activities to complement the screenings, designed to stimulate interest and insight into the diverse ways in which dance can be presented on film. Focused on specifically are dance for camera, filming music videos and Big Dance Shorts, showcasing exciting collaborations in choreography and directing.
All screenings will take place at Rose Theatre, Odeon Cinema, Bentall’s Store and Wow Café. The dancescreen competition winners will be announced at the closing night award ceremony on 12 June, followed by a special live performance by BalletBoyz.