The growth of the SF Dance Film Festival’s programming, in good times and pandemic times, is one of the more impressive developments on the local film scene. Yes, the vast majority of the 123 pieces (from 25 countries) are shorts, but the variety of approaches (both choreographic and cinematic) in a single program is an enticement for audiences (although no less of a challenge for programmers).
Feature-length offerings include the captivating Bollywood fable Natyam and the Australian documentary Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra, which salutes the dance company forever changed by three Aboriginal brothers over 30 years ago. The SFDFF also screens the recent docs Ailey and Can You Bring It? Bill T. Jones and D-Man in the Waters for those who missed them the first time around.
The SF Dance Film Festival takes place Oct. 15–24, in-theater and online through Marquee TV.
