End of BARDO First Prize

"The sense of comfort we find in a circular environment, where everything feels predictable and we always know what comes next. That’s what home is all about, a safe place. This is a thought-provoking piece and that’s what we need right now. Artists as amplifiers. Thank you for such top-notch work."

"THE DUST OF MY CONCRETE CHILD is a masterfully executed video catalogue that fulfills its promise of exploring intimacy as a fragile state and violence as a brutal force rather than a mere act of aggression." Sebastian Cruz, NBFF 2026 Volunteer Juror

"This is a very well-crafted documentary that has the ability to really create audiences and engagement because of its visual storytelling.

"This film immediately pulled me in and continued to surprise me as the story and concept unfolded. The cinematography was brilliant and played an important role in shaping the world of the piece. The performances were top tier, and I especially appreciated the use of spoken storytelling alongside the movement. Together, these elements created a gorgeous and compelling world that was both engaging and memorable." Elisa De La Rosa, NBFF 2026 Invited Juror

#153: In this special Season 7 finale , host Martheya reflects on a season shaped by the intersection of strategic planning, technology, and creative leadership in the arts. From AI and immersive performance to community collaboration and sustainable growth, this episode invites listeners to explore what it means to design a creative path guided by purpose, curiosity, and integrity. Drawing from standout conversations with visionary guests, Martheya shares practical insight

#152: In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen , host Martheya speaks with choreographer, filmmaker, and performer Margot Gelber about the emotional depth and collaborative process behind her award-winning dance film If I Were You — an official selection of the kNOwBOX dance Film Festival. Together, they explore how vulnerability and strength coexist in the creative process, how artistic leadership emerges through trust, and what it takes to translate an inner vision int

#151:In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen , host Martheya sits down with multidisciplinary artist Gabri Christa , whose work moves fluidly between choreography, filmmaking, performance, writing, and education. Born and raised in the Dutch Caribbean, Gabri brings a global and deeply personal perspective to her art, weaving stories of identity, ancestry, and memory that illuminate the intersections of culture, race, and history. Tune in to discover how Gabri Christa build

In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen Podcast, host Martheya chats with visionary choreographer and RUBBERBAND founder Victor Quijada.

#149: In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen , Martheya talks with Amy Elizabeth (Smith) — dance maker, arts administrator, educator...

In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen, Martheya talks with arts leader Anne Kogan to explore what it means to innovate while staying rooted in community.

In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen, host Martheya talks with Suzanne Smith, founder and CEO of Social Impact Architects, about what it takes to design a blueprint for creative impact. Suzanne shares how nearly three decades of experience at the intersection of nonprofit, government, and business have shaped her approach to leadership and innovation.

In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen, host Martheya talks with Suzanne Smith, founder and CEO of Social Impact Architects, about what it takes to design a blueprint for creative impact. Suzanne shares how nearly three decades of experience at the intersection of nonprofit, government, and business have shaped her approach to leadership and innovation.

#145: In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen, host Martheya chats with creative entrepreneur and educator Emi Matsushita about...

Martheya chats with Emily Bernet and Taylor Rodman, co-artistic directors of Bombshell Dance Project, about breaking boundaries between performers and audiences. Discover how they fuse dance and theater to craft immersive, emotionally charged experiences, use technology to expand impact, and strategize for sustainability and growth. Tune in for fresh insights on creative risk-taking, audience engagement, and empowering female leadership in dance.

In this episode of 'Dance Behind the Screen,' host Martheya engages in an intriguing conversation with Rai Barnard, a queer Dallas-based choreographer and performer. Known for their contemporary dance works that blend movement science and immersive storytelling, Ray shares insights into their creative process, shaped by their background in both dance and biology.

In the season seven premiere of Dance Behind the Screen Podcast, Martheya from KNOWBOX DANCE introduces the theme of strategic planning and technological innovation in arts and culture.

Film Spotlight: The Hourglass is a live dance and film work that uses sand to embody the passage of time and the delicate, shifting nature of human connection and identity.

Film Spotlight: Wave is a psychedelic dance film where repetition and time manipulation transform a dancer’s movements into a new, living organism.

Film Spotlight: In the 19th century Levant, Salma Zahore's act of shedding her coat during a long-exposure photoshoot unleashes unforeseen chaos and shame among her community.