Dances with Films Dances Back to TCL Chinese Theaters for the 26th Annual Edition
Learn about Dances with Films below:
It’s late June in Los Angeles, and that means: June gloom is about to give way to summer, the jacaranda
super bloom has colored the city in purple flowers that pop underfoot, and Dances With Films has come
back to the TCL Chinese Theaters in Hollywood. The Festival runs through July 2 at the Ovation
Hollywood Complex at 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028.
The plucky indie festival with the peculiar name “was created at a time when the Park City “dance”—aka
Sundance—had so many satellite festivals swirling around it,” says DWF co-founder Leslee Scallon.
“ We thought it would be funny to be the summer film festival called Dances With Films.”
26 years on, the name has stuck, and Dances with Films has grown to become one of Los Angeles
flagship film festivals and one of the country’s top discovery festivals, showing a staggering 252 films in
86 screenings, and they’ve already reported sold-out houses.
“Each year, DWF has grown organically in size and momentum,” says Scallon. “After all, what’s 26 years to become an overnight success?” “We have a groovy feeling of incredible films again!” Scallon continues.
“Our selections range from narrative features and shorts to documentaries, TV, and web pilots, and even
a Kidz division of films BY kids for kids— “KRAMPUS ON CAMPUS” anyone? DWF always welcomes energetic and enthusiastic filmmakers who have been selected from all over the world and locally. We
have representatives coming in from Ireland, Australia, Spain, New Zealand, Argentina, Egypt, Israel, Denmark, South Africa, South Korea, France, and Italy, as well as many of our United States.”
Reflecting on the state of the world, Scallon explains, “Social relevance and diversity are two themes that
have come on strong this year. Even more fun and lighthearted films seem to have woven stories into
their tapestry that are meaningful to not only the filmmakers but also their audience. We have also
always—since we started in 1998—striven to be gender and ethnically diverse in our programming.
Representation is very important to the mission of all being treated equally in our fest. We carefully
curate programs to have a wide look at the world.”
And what a wide world that is. A sampling of nine DWF films to watch (seven of them world premieres) take OCD, social anxiety, dead rodents, and cringe relationship issues to the extreme; place viewers inside a tortured mind; present a heartfelt comedy influenced by THE GRADUATE but told
from the perspective of a protagonist inspired by Mrs. Robinson; as well as offering a special L.A.
screening of Slamdance’s Grand Jury Prize winner; and the West Coast Premiere of an audience-favorite documentary looking at a family rallying around a beloved autistic son and brother. Together,
they paint a vivid cross-section of DWF’s best programming.
Fresh from a preview screening in its home state of New Jersey comes Christopher Beatty’s atmospheric,
dark, horror-tinged psychological thriller, BIBI. Struggling to cope after a tragic loss, a single mother
Vivian Ashwood (Elizabeth Paige, Modern Love), finds the line blurring between nightmare
Dances with Films “PR Avengers” Wildworks PR and PMG
Here we go again! DWF veterans PMG and Wildworks are joining forces to co-promote their slate of films
at Dances with Films DWF 26. Between us, we have six feature films at DWF, four of them world
premieres.
Our films take OCD, social anxiety, and cringe relationship issues to the extreme; taking viewers inside a
tortured mind; present a heartfelt comedy influenced by THE GRADUATE but told from the perspective of
a protagonist inspired by Mrs. Robinson; a special L.A. screening of Slamdance’s Grand Jury Prize
winner, and the West Coast Premiere of an audience-favorite documentary. Together, they present a
vivid cross-section of DWF’s best programming.
We propose these films for individual preview, review or feature coverage, as well as in the aggregate for
“best bets” or “top tens.” Some are going on from DWF to other prestige film festivals worldwide. We’re
pleased to preview any of the films for media, and talent and crew for all of them are ready and willing for
their close-up.
Here are 2 new films for you to see.
World Premiere of Chris Beatty’s Psychological Thriller BIBI
Thursday, June 29 at 7:15 PM
World Premiere: TCL Chinese 6 Theatres
TICKETS: https://danceswithfilms.com/bibi
SYNOPSIS
BIBI is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the unraveling mind of Vivian Ashwood, a grieving
mother struggling to cope with her tragic loss. Haunted by her past and tormented by a mysterious
stalker, Vivian's grasp on reality begins to slip as she battles her anxieties and dependencies on
prescription medication and alcohol. Vivian's world blurs as her routine nightmares merge with her waking reality, leaving her trapped in a disorienting web of fear and uncertainty.
BIBI is a dark and atmospheric exploration of grief, guilt, and the lengths one will go to to protect the
ones they love. This suspenseful thriller takes viewers on a harrowing journey through the depths of Vivian’s psyche as she battles her demons, fights for her sanity, and confronts the sinister forces that threaten her
existence.
Writer/Director: Christopher Beatty
Producers: Christopher Beatty; Logan Hunter; Eddie Micallef; Glen Trotiner
Executive Producers: Jaime Badaan, Jack Doyle, Robert Stanton
Composer: John Paesano
Cinematographer: John W Rutland
Editor: Benjamin J Murray
Casting Director: Stephanie Holbrook
Principal Cast: Elizabeth Paige; Judith Ann DiMinni; Tammy Blanchard; Rick Zahn;
Juliana Davies, Rowan Castro, and Nathan Faudree
TRT: 95 minutes
Country: New Jersey
Socials: Web | IMDB | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
KATIE’S MOM
Sunday, July 2 at 2:45 PM
KATIE’S MOM SCREENING INFORMATION:
Sunday, July 2 at 2:45 PM
World Premiere
TCL Chinese 6 Theatres
TICKETS: https://danceswithfilms.com/katies-mom/
SYNOPSIS
A heartfelt comedy influenced by THE GRADUATE but told from the perspective of a protagonist inspired
by Mrs. Robinson.
Set in Pasadena, KATIE’S MOM is about Nancy Rosenfeld (Dina Meyer (DETECTIVE
KNIGHT; STARSHIP TROOPERS, SAW)), a nurturing mom and recent divorcée, whose beloved
Jewish/Christmas mashup holiday celebration with her adult children is derailed when she falls for Alex
Rojas (Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in the Building)), her daughter & #39;s charming new boyfriend. Their electrifying affair upends her status quo and sets her on a path to becoming the woman she was |meant to be.
Tyrell Shaffner
Directed by: Tyrrell Shaffner
Written by: Meryl Branch-McTiernan and Tyrrell Shaffner
Producers: Tyrrell Shaffner, Meryl Branch-McTiernan; Corey Moss
Executive Producers: Sandy Cleary; Dina Meyer; Kristin T. Higgins; Jimmy V; Milan
Chakraborty & Sanjay Sharma
Editor: Daniel Martens
Production Design: David Dreyer
Composer: Alex Shenkman
Cinematographer: Aakash Raj
Casting by: Kara Sullivan, C.S.A.
Costumes by: Cocoa Rigal
Cast: Dina Meyer; Aaron Dominguez; Julia Tolchin; Shannon Dee; Clara
York; and Lexie Stevenson with Jason Wiles and Colin Bates
TRT 111 minutes
Country: USA Socials: Web | IMDB | Instagram | Facebook
