No “Shortage” of Entertainment.
By Gordon Durich
Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/22/25 – Premiere was the name of the game at the energetic 28th Annual Dances With Films, at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatres. A selection of memorable short films filled a Sunday afternoon.
“The Rocket Man,” an intimate story, triggered by director Laurence Cohen’s challenge in losing his mother to cancer, starred recording artist Canada’s Connor Price as Ben, in a breakthrough dramatic role. The film represents an 18-year creative achievement.
Other treats included “Miriam” about a girl whose Bat Mitzvah divides her Orthodox community, as she lives a double life as a skateboarding enthusiast. Josie Andrews directs and Pearl Scarlett Gold stars. Applause showed the audience loved it.
An Indian-set drama “Patakha” is about a young firecracker factory worker, who loses her hope for the future and an education. Director is Rohit Relan.
“Dependent,” from Australia, a new touching drama is about brothers, one with Downs Syndrome and cerebral palsy, who drains his brother emotionally, and was nuanced and convincing. Directed by Joseph Chebatte.
“The Traveler,” a US-set story about a widow who is haunted by her a spirit, whom she longs for, and hopes is her husband, was intense. It starred Natalie Knepp and was directed by Matthew Scheffler. Another American drama, “Shortwave,” unrolls the story of a woman who finds excitement in mysterious Russian short wave radio messages. Writer and Director is Mike Diaz.
Another standout selection in the festival was the comedy “Te Esquire A La Oscuridad” (US) featuring Joy Regullano (also writer and producer) as a high school student obsessively studying Spanish. Spolier alert, you’ll have to see it to find out why!
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