Experience Dance Like Never Before: The Anticipation Builds for the San Francisco Dance Film Festival

As autumn leaves begin to turn, the San Francisco Bay Area prepares for a vibrant celebration of creativity and artistic expression at the 16th Annual San Francisco Dance Film Festival (SFDFF), running from October 24 to November 11, 2025. This year promises an exceptional variety of over 90 dance films, including feature-length documentaries, short films, and innovative live performance captures. If you’re a lover of dance, art, or simply looking for a cultural experience to share with friends, this festival offers something truly special.

The Magic of Dance Meets Film

“When dance meets film, and artists marry their talents with enthusiastic audiences, something magical happens,” says Randall Heath, Executive Director of SFDFF. “What began as a small but passionate effort has grown into a global movement, a testament that dance on screen can resonate deeply, telling our stories and connecting us through moments of creativity.” This year’s lineup is not merely a series of performances; it’s a celebration of movement that bridges cultures and ignites emotions.

Spotlight on 'Seasons of Dance'

Among the festival's highlights is the mesmerizing feature film 'Seasons of Dance', which promises to take viewers on an emotional journey through love and relationships, set against the backdrop of Max Richter’s recomposition of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Each segment—Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter—is interpreted by different choreographic teams, presenting unique perspectives on life's seasons and transitions. Director Tommy Pascal describes his approach to filming as instinctual, aiming to capture the essence of dance in a way that evokes rhythm and emotion.

Behind the Choreography: Creative Forces

Spring is interpreted by the renowned Belgian dance theater company Peeping Tom, known for their unique hyper-realistic aesthetic. Founded by Gabriela Carrizo and Franck Chartier, the company creates experiences that challenge perceptions of time and space, inviting the audience to witness often undisclosed facets of human life.

The segment for Summer features dance innovators Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber, who express themes of passion and desire in their choreography set in a desert landscape, suggesting that even arid places can harbor deep emotions. As Schraiber beautifully puts it, “Passion is full of desire, heat, and juice, much like the desert, exposing the craving that feeds the soul.”

For Fall, sibling choreographers Imre and Marne van Opstal explore the bittersweet qualities of transition, reflecting on mortality and the fleeting nature of relationships. “In the autumn, there's a certain sacred naturalness that resonates with our experiences,” Imre shares.

Finally, Winter features the poignant choreography of Émilie Leriche, who captures the theme of separation through the visual metaphor of layers—the emotional coverings we wear as relationships evolve and change.

A Cultural Treasure in the Bay Area

While the festival runs in-person until November 9 and then offers online streaming options from November 10-30, it’s the local community's support that fuels the festival’s growth. Residents can enjoy diverse programs that showcase established artists alongside fresh talent. The festival acts as a platform for filmmakers and dancers, bridging gaps between different forms of artistry and sparking new dialogues.

Engage and Connect through Dance

This celebration of dance is more than an entertainment event; it provides an opportunity for connection. Attendees are encouraged to engage with the artists, attend workshops, and immerse themselves in a variety of cultural experiences. Don’t miss the chance to see what happens when movement is set free on film and how it fosters a sense of community through shared passion and creativity.

Ready to experience the magic of the SFDFF? Get Your Tickets Today! You won't want to miss this unique gathering of artists and audiences that celebrates the art of dance and film in an unforgettable crescendo.