Dances With Films: NYC Presents Fiercely Original Films

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Parent Category: Film Festivals

Category: Previews

Published on Wednesday, 04 December 2024 10:11

Written by Brad Balfour

Since 1998, Dances With Films touted itself as a film festival unfettered by the constraints and internal politics of mainstream film festivals. Now it’s New York installment is back, December 5th to the 8th at NYC’s Regal Union Square (850 Broadway) with 146 projects including features, documentaries, shorts, and midnight specials.

The festival opens with the world premiere of Peas and Carrots from director Evan Oppenheimer. Joey Wethersby is a typical 16 year-old New York girl — if your typical New Yorker had parents who were in a one-hit wonder band in the 90’s. And if your typical New Yorker found themselves traveling every night to a bizarre alternate reality, where everybody only says three words: “Peas and Carrots”.

The Midnight Series Features are films a little more out there, such as Itch!. In this gripping survival tale, a horrific outbreak called the ITCH! transforms its victims into self destructive shells. Jay, a widower grappling with grief, takes refuge in a seemingly safe department store with his estranged young daughter, Olivia. However, their sanctuary quickly becomes a nightmarish trap, revealing that danger lurks among them. As paranoia rises and the infection closes in, they must battle the outbreak and the darkness within themselves. With life-and-death decisions to make, they confront their fractured bond in a harrowing climax that challenges the true meaning of protection and love.

The festival closes with Here’s Yianni!.  Yianni and Plousia (Joe Cortese and Julia Ormond) own a charming family diner by the beach, where Yianni is a convivial host. Lately, Plousia has noticed that her husband of 40 years is not quite himself and is often wistfully distracted. One day, Yianni slips into a parallel realm, a world of his fractured mind, imagining himself as the host of a latenight talk show. Plousia learns that Yianni is facing dementia but hides his illness from coworkers and best friends (Kevin Pollak and Rosanna Arquette). As his condition worsens, Plousia becomes Yianni’s full-time caregiver and lifeline. But then, long-suppressed grief and a heartbreaking delusion comes over Yianni. With Plousia’s determination and her whimsical inventiveness, they discover how to smile through the sadness, and celebrate every moment they have together. Inspired by a true story.

This is a sampling of the films being shown at the festival.

To learn more, go to: https://danceswithfilms.com/

Dances With Films: NYC
December 5 - 8, 2024

Regal Union Square
850 Broadway
New York, NY 10003

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