4D Film Festival

about

The 4D Film Festival is a recurring celebration of innovation at the intersection of dance and cinema. This unique event invites audiences to experience the magic of movement on screen under the stars, with an outdoor screening on the iconic Bendix rooftop in Downtown Los Angeles.

The festival features two distinct evenings: one dedicated to showcasing student films and emerging voices, and another highlighting the work of independent filmmakers pushing the boundaries of dance on film, with the city skyline as the backdrop.

Each night also features Quack Games—a lively pre-show trivia challenge—along with snacks, refreshments, and opportunities for community connection.

Video by Cathie Arteaga

Photos by Cathie Arteaga

On March 13th, Heidi Duckler Dance welcomed audiences back to the Bendix rooftop for another unforgettable 4D Film Festival, celebrating the next generation of dance filmmakers. Under the night sky, guests gathered to experience nine inspiring student dance films that showcased creativity, movement, and storytelling on the big screen.

We were honored to hear from keynote speaker Sara Silkin, an award-winning choreographer and filmmaker, who shared her perspective on the powerful relationship between dance and film.

The evening began with Quack Games, an interactive trivia challenge that brought the audience together before everyone settled in with popcorn, refreshments, and great company.

To close out the night, the Audience Choice Award was presented to Bella Crowner, Sam Cool, and Sam Fine for their film Worn 🎬🏆, a moving and memorable piece that resonated deeply with the crowd and capped off an incredible evening of emerging artistic voices. ✨🎥🌙

Video by Cathie Arteaga

Photos by Cathie Arteaga

Photos by Owen Scarlett

Heidi Duckler Dance proudly launched the inaugural 4D Film Festival with a night dedicated to emerging voices in dance cinema. Audiences gathered on the iconic Bendix rooftop for a magical evening under the stars, where nine captivating student dance films lit up the silver screen.

We were honored to welcome keynote speaker Peter Bloom, Professor of Film and Media Studies at UC Santa Barbara, who offered thoughtful insights into the intersection of dance and film.

The night kicked off with Quack Games, a spirited pre-show trivia challenge that got everyone engaged, followed by popcorn, refreshments, and vibrant community connection.

The evening closed with the announcement of the Audience Choice Award, which went to Brian Golden for his film Row Your Boat 🛶🎬🏆—a crowd favorite and a beautiful end to a night celebrating student creativity and storytelling through movement.

Photos by Heather Seybolt

On April 4, 2025, Heidi Duckler Dance proudly continued the launch of the 4D Film Festival. This special evening featured eight visionary independent filmmakers whose bold and boundary-pushing works exemplify the power of movement on screen.

Each selected film reflected a unique artistic voice and significant contribution to the evolving conversation between dance and film.

The evening also featured a live panel discussion with renowned choreographer and filmmaker Sara Silkin, and Emmy-nominated television producer Karus Nelson, offering valuable insight into their experiences navigating and shaping the worlds of film and performance.

Festivalgoers enjoyed Quack Games, our signature pre-show trivia challenge, plus popcorn, snacks, and soulfully crafted beverages generously provided by Grown Folks. The night concluded with a celebration of community engagement as attendees voted for the Audience Choice Award. Congratulations to Lisa Eaton, whose film Behind Closed Doors took home the honor for the evening’s most captivating work.

4D Film Festival – Independent Films Screenings is sponsored in part by Grown Folks Hard Seltzer and the Los Angeles Dance Film Festival.