On Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m., the Associates of Brand Library & Art Center present a screening of the 2011 documentary “Pina, A Film for Pina Bausch,” directed by Wim Wenders. The film will be followed by an informal discussion about the artist and her legacy as a pioneer of dance and choreography. “Pina” is part of the Associates’ REEL ART Film Series, which showcases limited-release documentaries on the arts followed by in-person conversations with experts.

“Pina” is director Wim Wenders’ film featuring the Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch. Pina Bausch was an inspirational dancer and choreographer with exceptional vision. During more than 20 years of personal friendship between Bausch and Wenders they never lost sight of their goal to make a dance film together. Bausch died suddenly in 2009 while she and Wenders were preparing to start filming. After a period of mourning, Wenders rethought his cinematic vision and made a film “for Pina Bausch.”  

Wenders takes the audience on a sensual, visually stunning journey of discovery into a new dimension: straight onto the stage with her legendary dance ensemble and following the dancers out of the theatre into the City of Wuppertal and surrounding areas which for 35 years was the epicenter of Pina’s creativity. 

Following the screening, Glendale Community College Dance Dept. chair Victor Robles will discuss the film and the work of Pina Bausch with the audience. 

Robles teaches jazz, modern, dance history, yoga and physical reintegration. He is an alumnus of the GCC Dance Dept. and received his BA in dance at California State University, Long Beach. He received his MFA from Florida State University. He was a member of the Gloria Newman Dance Theater and has worked with Bella Lewitzki, Long Beach Ballet and the Francisco Martinez Dance Theatre.  

Launched in 2012 by Brand Associates, REEL ART presents limited-release documentary films focused on the arts, artists and cultural topics, followed by in-person discussions with experts. The series offers audiences the chance to step away from their screens, experience films together, and engage in lively post-screening conversations.  In 2026, REEL ART focuses on the Performing Arts, bringing stories of the creatives who pushed artistic boundaries and built bridges to all of humanity. 

The series will also include:

June 11: “Don’‘t Think I’ve Forgotten: Cambodia’s Lost Rock’n’Roll,” a film by John Pirozzi. Presented in partnership with Los Angeles Film Forum.

July 9   “Joe Papp in Five Acts,” a film by Tracie Holder and Karen Thorsen. Presented in partnership with Antaeus Theatre Company.

The “Pina” screening is on Thursday, April 30. Doors open at 6 p.m. and screening is at 6:30 p.m. Post-screening discussion begins at 8:30 p.m.

The screening takes place at Brand Library & Art Center, 1601 W. Mountain St. in Glendale (in Brand Park; enter at Grandview & Mountain Streets). For more information, call (818) 548-2051. 

Free admission; no reservations needed.