Los Angeles — The 28th edition of the Dances With Films festival, known for showcasing independent cinema, concluded recently in Los Angeles, revealing its jury and audience award winners. The festival celebrated a diverse roster of films, emphasizing fresh voices in the film industry.
In the narrative feature category, Nate Hilgartner’s film No Choice took home the Grand Jury Prize. The story unfolds around a young woman who faces an unexpected pregnancy and experiences haunting dreams that foreshadow her demise if she cannot procure an abortion.
Something Casual, directed by Brandon Buczek, received an Honorable Mention in the same category. The film delves into the complexities of contemporary relationships amid the casual hookup culture pervasive in Los Angeles.
The Grand Jury Prize for Documentary Feature was awarded to Never Get Busted, co-created by David Anthony Ngo and Erin Williams-Weir. The documentary chronicles the life of Barry Cooper, a former Texas police officer turned activist seeking drug law reform. It details his transformation from an enforcer during the War on Drugs to a fugitive now residing in Brazil.
In an insightful examination of identity and tribal citizenship, You’re No Indian, directed by Ryan Flynn, earned an Honorable Mention in the Best Documentary Feature category. This film scrutinizes the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in the U.S. regarding belonging and federal recognition.
The Industry Choice Award for films over 40 minutes was given to Trash Baby, directed by Jacy Mairs. This film features a compelling storyline populated with a strong cast, including Esther Harrison and Chloe Kramer.
Meanwhile, Good Sport, directed by Andrew Jack Zuckerman, captured the Audience Award for Competition Narrative. The film portrays the tumultuous experiences of a youth basketball coach having a disastrous day, highlighting the pressures and complexities of youth sports.
The Audience Award for Documentary Feature was awarded to A Little Fellow: The Legacy of A.P. Giannini, directed by Davide Fiore. This film recounts the extraordinary journey of Giannini, an Italian immigrant whose contributions to banking laid the groundwork for the Bank of America after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
Dances With Films featured nine notable Orange Carpet events, showcasing over 200 films and bringing together more than 1,000 filmmakers, cast members, and documentary subjects. Attendees included prominent figures such as Shohreh Aghdashloo and Alfred Molina.
This year marked a significant notable announcement as Lindsey Smith-Sands was appointed as the first Festival Director in the organization’s nearly 30-year history. The founders expressed their faith in her commitment to promoting independent cinema, citing her passion and experience in the industry.
"I’m honored to be a guardian of the festival’s legacy and steward of its future," said Smith-Sands, reflecting on her journey with Dances With Films.
The festival continues to affirm its place as a powerhouse in the independent film circuit, with a second event set to take place in New York this December.
This article was automatically written by OpenAI, and facts, people, and circumstances may contain inaccuracies. Any article can be requested for removal, retraction, or correction by emailing contact@publiclawlibrary.org.