By Ashley Hackworth
(June 2010)

Do the words “film festival” bring to mind images of the hottest celebrities, producers and parties? Or is it more about the films? At Dances with Films (June 3 – 10, in West Hollywood, Calif.), it’s all about the movies. Leslee Scallon, who cofounded the festival in 1998 with Michael Trent, says it is one of the few “real independent” film festivals left. She adds, “We want to stay a boutique film festival because we love the heart of what the festival is. Which is helping the unknown and talented filmmakers get the exposure they deserve.”

Their main focus is on helping filmmakers with great talent be able to advance their careers without having to attach a big-time celebrity’s name. That’s right, this festival is strictly for the unknown; films with a celebrity actor’s, producer’s or director’s name attached are not eligible to enter. Scallon likes to keep it that way because she believes that many of the film festivals have changed to showcases. “There’s a business to being a film festival, and part of it is making sure you have your audience in their seats. Unfortunately, audiences will mainly see films where they have heard of some people.”

Even though celebrities are not allowed to be in the movies, they are definitely invited to attend the festival, Scallon notes, dropping Tom Cruise’s name as one example. And the celebrity rule hasn’t kept the festival from increasing its attendance by large numbers. “Every night, we almost fill up every seat, and we are known by the venues as one of their busiest — not compared to AFI or LA Film Festival, but to the smaller festivals,” states Scallon. Unlike any many other film festivals, it is known for its full-on interaction between audience and filmmakers, including extended Q & A sessions.

In its 13 years, Dances with Films has gained a reputation in the film community for treating the filmmakers well, making sure the projection is great and going to greater lengths than most festivals to make sure it’s “dynamite,” explains Scallon.

When the festival started, submissions numbered 35 to 60; now, it’s 200 to 300. Although the bulk of the submissions is drama, the festival strives for a variety of genres as well as themes. “Films should also be very intriguing and put together well,” notes Scallon, adding, “Film is an art form. You can’t just take a camera and decide you want to be a filmmaker; it takes work.”

The festival attracts a broad range of filmmakers and audience. It also attracts talent agents and companies looking for studio writers. Relates Scallon, “We had a guy compete in our 2-Step Challenge; he walks out and someone from William Morris signs him. He’s now working with Paramount on a couple of scripts.”

Scallon and Trent created the 2-Minute, 2-Step Short Film Challenge to help filmmakers become better at their craft. Scallon states, “We started this challenge because filmmakers still were not developing their stories or characters in the films submitted.” To succeed in this challenge, the filmmakers must come better prepared because they are given only a short period of time to complete their film. Begun four years ago, the Challenge has attracted up to 100 entries. Eight scripts are selected — four from alumni (previous festival attendees) who want to participate for the fun of it and four from newbies (first-time festival attendees) who want a chance to show off their skills. With those scripts, the filmmakers are given four hours to shoot and edit a two-minute film. After their shorts are completed, they are shown the next day at the festival before each feature film.

This year “Dances with Films” has teamed up with Canon and will be showing 100 films from eight different screens. The festival will take place June 3 through June 10 at 8000 Sunset Plaza in West Hollywood, Calif. In addition to the screenings, the fest includes a shooting gallery where attendees can talk to the filmmakers about their films. Without the glare of celebrity, there’s some amazing work to be seen.