Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema Returns to Boulder with 22nd Annual Event
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Boulder, Colorado – The 22nd annual Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema will illuminate the Museum of Boulder from August 29 to 31, presenting a unique convergence of dance and film. The festival, the only one of its kind locally, features looping installations, a live performance, and an open-air screening of films originating from 10 nations.
A Festival Dedicated to Screendance
The festival’s core focus is “screendance,” a genre where choreography and cinematography are inextricably linked, with editing itself becoming a crucial element of the movement [[1]]. Attendees can expect an immersive experience beginning at 6:30 p.m.each evening with a red-carpet welcome and access to museum galleries displaying short film installations. food and beverages will be available for purchase.
The rooftop screenings, scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. weather permitting, will showcase 13 short films totaling 95 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Themes of Family and Environment
This year’s submissions revealed prominent themes of family dynamics and environmental concerns. Michelle Bernier, executive and co-director of the Sans Souci Festival, noted the recurring presence of these topics in the selected films.
“We have a few films that really speak to family, whether it is the trials and tribulations of family life,” Bernier explained. “One film, ‘Spoken Movement, Family Honor,’ is an incredible piece…like an abstracted family dinner table.”
Bernier also highlighted the growing emphasis on environmental themes, exemplified by the installation “Drain,” depicting a bathtub in a drought-stricken California landscape. Another film, “Terra Montes,” poignantly portrays the aftermath of the 2012 Lower North Fork Fire in Colorado, with dancer Kim Olson, a survivor of the evacuation, performing amidst the burn scars.
Did You Know?
The term “screendance” evolved from “dance for camera” as the art form matured, reflecting its increasing sophistication and distinct identity.
Live Performance and Artistic Innovation
For the first time since 2020, the festival will include a live performance, titled “Into Out of body,” staged in the Museum of Boulder’s garage. Choreographer Jeanine McCain, projection designer Brian Hapcic, and live musician Jesse Manno will collaborate on an experimental piece exploring perception and illusion through real-time projection.
“They are playing with the effect where if you point a camera at a projector, you can see the projection of the projection of the projection, like mirrors to infinity,” Bernier said.”That is the idea they are working with.”
the festival will open with “Cut me Summa dat Noise,” a vibrant tap dance performance set in a neighborhood block party,and conclude with “Juno and Sensei,” an action-packed film featuring a dance battle with comic book-style visual effects.
Pro Tip:
Bring layers! Boulder evenings can be unpredictable,and the rooftop screening is weather-dependent.
A Thriving Arts Community
Bernier attributes the festival’s longevity to Boulder’s supportive arts community and its citizens’ openness to international and experimental work.She emphasized the invaluable support received from the City of Boulder’s arts commission.
“Boulder is, first of all, a wonderful place to be an arts organization, and the support that we’ve received…is just really, like, that’s not replicable anywhere else,” bernier stated.
| Event | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema | August 29-31, 2025 | Museum of Boulder, 2205 Broadway |
| Live Performance: “Into Out of Body” | August 29-31, 6:50 PM nightly | Museum of Boulder Garage |
| Rooftop film Screenings | August 29-31, 7:30 PM nightly (weather permitting) | Museum of Boulder Rooftop |
While the festival offers virtual screenings in the fall, Bernier believes the communal experience of viewing dance cinema in person is irreplaceable. “Being in a room with people, sharing that experience, reacting in real time, getting goosebumps together…that just doesn’t happen online.”
What aspects of dance cinema most captivate you, and how do you think the art form evolves with technological advancements?
Do you believe that the combination of dance and film creates a unique artistic experience that transcends traditional boundaries?
Tickets and further details about the Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema are available at sanssoucifestival.org.
The intersection of dance and film has a rich history, dating back to early experiments in capturing movement on celluloid. The advancement of screendance as a distinct genre reflects a growing recognition of the unique possibilities offered by the medium, allowing choreographers to explore new forms of storytelling and visual expression. The festival’s continued success underscores the enduring appeal of this art form and its ability to connect with audiences on a visceral level.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sans Souci Festival
- What is screendance? Screendance is a genre of film where dance is the central expressive language, distinct from dance featured in documentaries or music videos.
- Where is the Sans Souci Festival located? The festival takes place at the Museum of Boulder, located at 2205 Broadway in Boulder, colorado.
- What types of films will be screened? The festival showcases a diverse range of short films from 10 countries, exploring themes of family, environment, and abstract concepts.
- Is the festival accessible to those unfamiliar with dance film? Yes, the festival welcomes audiences of all backgrounds and levels of experience.
- Are there virtual screening options available? Yes, Sans Souci offers free virtual screenings in the fall, but the in-person experience is highly recommended.
We hope you’ll join us for this captivating celebration of dance and cinema! Share this article with your friends, leave a comment below with your thoughts, or subscribe to our newsletter for more exciting cultural events.
