In its 19th iteration at Froggy’s, a family-friendly seafood watering hole above Malibu, the Topanga Film Festival takes residence this Thursday, Oct. 17, through Sunday, Oct. 20. With a diverse list of short, feature and experimental films, the menu includes the 24-minute dance documentary, “drumming bodies dancing” screening on Friday, Oct. 18, at 1 p.m.
A collaboration between filmmaker Susanna Knittel and the Senegalese dancers and drummers, the traditional women’s Sabar circle, a youthful drum lesson and a band’s performance rehearsal are highlighted in this episode of cultural sharing. Promotional materials describe “hearing the origins of rap, seeing drums being made and witnessing generosity in action” in “drumming bodies dancing.”
The Topanga Film Festival screens a wide array of perspectives and subjects on film. This movie has previously been a finalist at the Ethos Film Awards, which recognizes cinema that promotes peace, diversity, inclusion and environmental sustainability. Knittel, a Swiss-born LA filmmaker, writer and photojournalist, has directed the first short documentary on the “Bohemian Grove,” as well as other pictures that have premiered at noteworthy festivals in the United States.
—Benn Widdey, Culture Spot LA
LOCATION:
Froggy’s, 1105 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga 90290
TICKETS:
$17.85 to $1,000
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/topanga-film-festival-2024-tickets-1014161744077?aff=oddtdtcreator
INFO:
https://topangafilminstitute.org
Photo courtesy of Susanna Knittel