The Dances With Films (DWF) Festival, held from June 19 to 29, 2025, in Los Angeles, continues its tradition of celebrating bold, innovative, and diverse independent cinema. Now in its 28th year, the festival has become one of the most prominent platforms for emerging filmmakers. Held at the iconic TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, DWF brings together an exciting mix of narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and television pilots, offering a glimpse into the future of film.
A Diverse and Expansive Lineup
The 2025 festival boasts a robust slate of films with 254 selections, including 43 narrative features, 18 documentary features, 23 television and streaming pilots, and 170 short films. Among these, 36 films will have their world premieres, underscoring DWF’s commitment to showcasing fresh voices in filmmaking. The diversity of genres and themes is one of the festival’s greatest strengths, offering something for every type of cinephile. Special sections include Midnight Horror, Downbeat (dedicated to music and dance films), and Kidz (family-friendly offerings), ensuring that the festival caters to various interests and age groups.
Opening and Closing Night Highlights
Dances With Films kicks off on June 19 with the world premiere of Do No Harm, a dramatic exploration of healthcare and personal responsibility. Directed by Chris Hartwell, the film stars Harry Shum Jr. and Ronny Chieng as they navigate the emotional and professional challenges that come with a critical mistake in the healthcare system. This marks a poignant and thought-provoking beginning to the festival, setting the tone for the wide range of films that will follow.
The festival will conclude on June 29 with the debut of Captain Tsunami, a fantasy adventure film directed by Aaron Sherry. Featuring P.J. Marino and Madeleine McGraw, the film promises a thrilling and visually striking end to the festival. The closing night always holds a special place in the hearts of attendees, as it offers a final chance to reflect on the creativity and impact of the films presented over the past ten days.
Noteworthy Films and Filmmakers
This year’s festival features several standout films that touch on important social issues and showcase new and exciting filmmaking talent.
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Dokita Musa (Nigeria): A powerful drama that follows a 12-year-old boy with autism and a stutter who dreams of becoming a doctor. Set in the rural village of Akanran, the film sheds light on the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals and their families, particularly in rural settings where resources are limited. The film’s sensitive portrayal of autism and its exploration of socio-economic issues offer a rare perspective on a subject not often addressed in cinema.
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Changing Room (India): Directed by Ruchir Kulkarni, this Marathi short film centers on the struggles of a 12-year-old boy dealing with body image and self-worth. Set in Pune, the film highlights the emotional turmoil of adolescence and the pressures of societal expectations. Featuring a cast of local school students, the film is a significant contribution to Marathi cinema and exemplifies the power of storytelling from the Indian subcontinent.
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One But Many (Kenya): This documentary, directed by Janna Giacoppo, delves into the controversial world of trophy hunting in Kenya. The film examines the complexities of wildlife conservation, exploring the effects of hunting on both animals and local communities. Through its in-depth investigation, One But Many brings to light the political and ethical issues surrounding conservation efforts in Africa.
Industry Impact
Dances With Films is not just a festival but also an important event in the independent film industry. Its focus on emerging filmmakers gives new talent the chance to showcase their work to industry professionals, critics, and audiences alike. The festival’s emphasis on world premieres allows filmmakers to present their films to the world for the first time, creating a buzz that can catapult careers and open doors for future projects.
The festival also provides filmmakers with the opportunity to network and engage with other creatives, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that can lead to new partnerships and opportunities. This is especially important in an industry where independent filmmakers often face challenges in securing distribution or financing for their projects.
Ticket Information
For those wishing to attend, individual tickets for screenings can be purchased through the DWF website. A festival pass, priced at $375, grants access to all films and events, making it an excellent value for those who wish to experience everything the festival has to offer. Advance tickets must be picked up 10 minutes before the scheduled screening, and any remaining tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring that attendees have the chance to see their top picks.
Conclusion
The Dances With Films Festival 2025 promises to be a celebration of diverse storytelling and groundbreaking cinema. With a lineup that includes world premieres, thought-provoking documentaries, and boundary-pushing narratives, the festival continues to solidify its place as a vital platform for independent filmmakers. Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile or someone looking to explore new voices in film, DWF offers something for everyone. As it wraps up another exciting year, the festival remains a beacon of creativity, innovation, and artistic expression in the world of independent film.
