Dances with Films began as a simple riff in the Sundance and Slamdance circuits. Later, it turned into a festival that set achievable goals, namely the showcasing of the finest undiscovered independent cinema. DWF features everything from shorts to narratives to documentaries, and is now set to complete its 25th year. And it remains one of the most vital showcases for visionary new film works.
The current climate is one of studio streaming conglomerates as well as remake-driven projects almost completely dominating the sphere of entertainment, which is why now is when alternative voices need to be heard the most. DWF is more than just some screening event – it is replete with stellar performances that need to be seen now. However, it’s ultimately the films which make both the mind and the heart “dance”, during the 10-day long stretch of this wonderful event. Below are some of the best picks out of our must-see list.
The Walk
Derived from true events that took place in the 1974 desegregation busing efforts in Boston, this film is helmed by Daniel Adams, starring Justin Chatwin, Terrence Howard, Malcolm McDowell, and Jeremy Piven.
We Paid Let Us In
This is a music documentary which chronicles the journeys of Abstract Mindstate, the Chicago rap duo, who got back together following a 16-year break when Kanye West got them on board in 2021. Appearances include Deon Cole, Coodie and Chike, and Common.
The Latin From Manhattan
This is a movie about adult film actress Vanessa Del Rio, with the cast of the show including such names as Taryn Manning, Shane West, Dita Von Teese, Drea de Matteo, and Esai Morales.
And I Miss You Like A Little Kid
This short psychological drama by Benjamin Hoskin chronicles an abusive domestic relationship which takes place in LA during the Covid era.
Iron Family
This follows Jazmine Fairies, a woman who suffers from Down syndrome, and also her mission to perform an original play at a rural Michigan mining town.
Ubuntu
This doc as regards the titular “Mamas of Cape Town,” is about a women’s collective who live under the Apartheid system in South Africa.
Hotter Up Close
With his 30th birthday approaching, a gay man must tackle his feelings and insecurities revolving around loneliness and isolation, and find love.
Carlos Through the Tall Grass
This is a comedic piece revolving around a Latino high schooler who struggles to decide a future path – whether to stay home with family or go to college. Patti McCarthy, a film professor at Whittier College, is the creator of this fantastic film, which features upwards of 20 Whittier college students behind and in front of the camera.
My Friend Tommy
This chronicle of a real-world 40-year-old virgin is brought to you by Nem Stankovic, where the namesake Tommy Lee goes on a cross-continental self-discovery-themed journey. The end result for the viewer is a poignant-documentary-meets- buddy-comedy.
My Stupid Tribute Band
This rock documentary follows Back in Black – the AC/DC tribute band from Dallas – through its 20-year history, ending with the lead singer performing an audition for the legends themselves.
The Long Rider
A western documentary, The Long Rider follows a wannabe journalist who moves away from his adoptive home in Canada and sets out on a quest riding horseback and covering lands spanning from Calgary to Brazil, inside a period of 8 years.
Lodo
This short was helmed and co-written by Alessandro Gentile, a Mexican/Argentinian native who co-founded the Highland Park Independent Film Festival that’s famous in East LA. Lodo was filmed in LA with actors sourced via Operation Street Kidz, an NPO. IT covers themes like family, spirituality, and grief.
Live Out Loud
Shot in a period of a year, this doc recounts stories of three people who experience homelessness in Oregon.
Rewilding
This fabulous doc follows black artist Anthony Dejesus’ journey with wilderness guides and rock climbers Vitek Linhart and Jesse Spiegel. Rewilding offers up a gripping glance at his field test meant for a program which would take formerly incarcerated men out into the wild.
How Does It Feel To Be A Problem?
This documentary explores the various ways in which marginalized groups often take the brunt of mistreatment in the country, and features Danny Glover, Ed Asner, and Henry Rollins as the talking heads. The music is by Jackson Browne.
