DANCES WITH FILMS

2024 & 2025 COOLEST FILM FESTIVALS by Moviemaker Magazine
2025 50 FESTIVALS WORTH THE ENTRY FEE by Moviemaker Magazine
TOP 10 NORTH AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL by USA Today
TOP 10 BEST REVIEWED FILM FESTIVALS on FilmFreeway consistently

DANCES WITH FILMS is an established national (bi-coastal) film festival. Following its 29th year in Los Angeles this past June, the 5th installment of DANCES WITH FILMS NY (DWF:NY) will launch January 2027 at Union Regal Square in Manhattan (NYC).

A true original on the festival circuit—and arguably the largest indie film festival in Los Angeles—DWF has been hailed by IndieWire as “widely recognized as the premiere showcase of innovative independent cinema, presenting amazing undiscovered talent to an industry audience in Hollywood,” called “the future of independent film” by HuffPost, and praised by CNN as “an innovator and leader in positioning raw and new talented directors.” Named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals on the Planet, Dances With Films presents more than 250 films annually to the Los Angeles filmmaking and film-going community.

Mission:
DWF is dedicated to giving opportunities to creative talents who may not be considered 'Names' and distinguishes itself not only through the community it has built, but by the success of our alumni and long-standing loyalty within the DWF family.

Industry Success!
The 2025 OSCARs featured standout 2023 DWF alum Alex Coco, producer of Anora which won Best Picture; DWF ICA Award winning short film Red, White & Blue also received an OSCAR nomination in 2024.

Other notable alumni achievements include:

Alexander Skarsgård (2006 alum), Emmy winner for Best Supporting Actor
Joel Watson (2007 & 2012 alum), Emmy nominated for editing Shark Tank
Gina Rodriguez (2011 & 2012 alum), lead actress Not Dead Yet, Jane the Virgin
Steven Kane (2000 alum), creator of the hit series The Last Ship
Will Scheffer & Mark Olsen (2004 alums), creators of HBO’s critically acclaimed Getting On and Big Love after screening their feature Easter at DWF
Treading Yesterday, which premiered in our TV/Web division in 2016 and is now in series development
Jeremy Cloe (2015 alum & ICA award winner), Student Academy Award® winner
Jesse Eisenberg (2008 alum), nominated for Best Actor for The Social Network
Betsy Brandt (Breaking Bad, Parenthood) appeared early in her career in our 2005 Grand Jury Winner Shelf Life
Bryan Cranston premiered his directorial debut with DWF in 2000
…and COUNTLESS theatrical releases & distribution deals for our feature films,

These examples represent only a fraction of the accomplishments within the DWF alumni community.

What Industry Leaders Say:
"Dances with Film is an incredible film festival filled with a ton of hot, new talent. It's what Sundance should be and SXSW is – but it’s in our own backyard! They put on top notch industry panels and events which sync sponsors together with the filmmakers as well as other VIPs. Their events are well attended and are extremely well organized. It's a great platform for a sponsor to promote their own projects and enhance their profile in the Hollywood and Indie film community while picking up material and making new connections."

- Chris Charalambous, Head of Acquisitions, Freestyle Media

"Dances with Film is a great film festival. They treat their supporters and sponsors incredibly well, put on fantastic industry events and is an enormous wealth of new talent. Gersh has signed 3 new clients since becoming involved with DWF. We couldn't recommend it more highly."

- Frank Wuliger, Partner The Gersh Agency

Panels:
As you can see, DWF provides great exposure and access to the industry decision-makers. Past year's panels and 'Conversations With' series have featured producer Stephanie Allain (Dear White People, Hustle & Flow); casting director David Rubin (Trumbo, Gravity); Women in Film Board President Syrinthia Studier; Head of Film Finance & Packaging Jay Cohen (Gersh Agency) EVP of Theatrical Distribution Steven Friedlander (CBS Films), VP of Worldwide Creative Services Michelle Willey (Paramount Pictures)... just to name a few. Every year brings out high-caliber industry stars you will rarely find at other fests.

Dances With Pilots!
Now in its 10th year, Dances With Pilots! returns with a curated slate of TV and webisode projects as part of our festival sidebar, alongside narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and music videos.

Dances With Kidz!
Entering its 12th year, Dances With Kidz! celebrates films created for kids—and, most importantly, by kids. This program features both a youth section (18 and under) and a professional section.

Academy®️ Qualification:
DWF also qualifies a slate of shorts for Academy Award®️consideration through our friends at Laemmle Theatres and Double Exposure in Los Angeles. Short films premiering with us actually have a higher likelihood of being Academy®️qualified than nearly any other short film competition in the country.

The DWF Family:
Finally, the Dances With Films community has grown since 1998 into a strong and loyal network. DWF offers filmmakers opportunities to build meaningful connections and lasting creative partnerships (and friendships) that endure over the years.

For more information on all the above statements, head over to www.danceswithfilms.com