Dance films are not merely a visual record of dance performances. The fusion of dance and cinema has created a new mongrel art form that is liberating for both the choreographer and the filmmaker. This day of screenings, organised to coincide with International Dance Festival Ireland, is both an introduction to this innovative form and an overview of some of the most exciting international dance films of recent years. The day will be presented and facilitated by filmmaker Alan Gilsenan. The programme on May 19 will be as follows:

• Screenings of a selection of the BBC’s ‘Dance for the Camera’ strand, introduced by
Rodney Wilson.

• A selection of some of the finest dance films from around the world, including work by directors such as Philippe Decoufle, Thierry de May and Peter Greenaway. (11.30 a.m.)

• A mini retrospective of the work of award-winning British filmmaker David Hinton, who is probably best known for his filmic collaborations with dance company DV8 in the ’80s and later with Wendy Houston and Adventures in Motion Pictures. His stark and kinetic films proved a landmark in the progression from simply recording dance on screen to actively engaging with it. David Hinton will present his own work, which includes his most recent film Birds, winner of the IMZ Dance Screen Award 2000. (2.15 p.m.)

• An open discussion on dance filmmaking in theory and practice, with contributions from David Hinton, Rodney Wilson, John Comiskey and Rosemary Butcher. (4.30 p.m.)