Hollywood, CA, June 17, 2026 — After several years’ hiatus, Dances With Films has renewed its media partnership with Los Angeles-based entertainment publication The Hollywood Times for Dances With Films 29 (DWF). The festival runs June 18–28 at the TCL Chinese Theatres in the Ovation Hollywood Complex, located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood.
As part of the partnership, The Hollywood Times plans extensive festival coverage, with dozens of stories expected to run between opening day and the Closing Night Awards Ceremony on June 28. Coverage has already begun, including a festival preview and reviews of Yale, Tempest, This Little Piggy Goes to Market, and Breakfast at Berghain.
“It’s such a large slate of films we can’t hope to cover them all, but we plan to offer a truly representative sample of reviews, interviews, and festival coverage, serving as a guide to audiences navigating this year’s program,” said Valerie Milano, founder and publisher of The Hollywood Times. “We’ve been hoping to work more closely with Dances With Films for a long time, and now that goal has become a reality.”
“We’ve been hugely gratified by The Hollywood Times’ coverage and enthusiasm for DWF over the years,” said Dances With Films co-founder Leslee Scallon. “This year, we’re thrilled to make the relationship official.”
In addition to editorial coverage, The Hollywood Times will staff many of the festival’s red carpets and participate in press junkets featuring selected filmmakers and talent. The publication will also take part in a Festival Marketing panel discussion on Wednesday, June 24, at the Filmmaker Lounge alongside festival consultant Nancy Collett of Cinema Collett, RC Samo of Fanboy Nation, and other industry professionals. The partnership also includes reciprocal website promotion and coordinated social media support.
About The Hollywood Times
Founded in 1980, The Hollywood Times was among the earliest entertainment publications to embrace the digital age. Originally headquartered in Beverly Hills, the publication moved to Hollywood in 1981 and has since evolved into a global entertainment news source, blending traditional journalism with modern digital storytelling.
“We’ve assembled a dream team of talented writers and photographers dedicated to delivering insightful coverage and exclusive interviews,” Milano said. “We are especially proud that members of our team have been recognized nationally by both the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards and the Los Angeles Press Club.”
About Dances With Films
Dances With Films champions the independent spirit of filmmaking by showcasing emerging voices and innovative storytelling. Unlike many festivals that rely heavily on celebrity-driven programming, DWF has built its reputation by supporting talented filmmakers and artists whose work reflects creativity, originality, and determination.
The festival’s alumni have gone on to write, direct, produce, and star in major motion pictures, television series, and award-winning projects across the entertainment industry.
“The festival was created at a time when Sundance-inspired events seemed to be popping up everywhere,” joked co-founder Leslee Scallon. “We thought it would be fun to be the summer film festival called Dances With Films.”
Now in its 29th year, DWF has grown into one of Los Angeles’ premier film festivals. This year’s lineup features 279 films, including 36 world premieres, with several screenings already reporting sold-out audiences.
“Each year, DWF has grown organically in size and momentum,” added co-founder Michael Trent. “After all, what’s 29 years to become an overnight success?”
