In My Orbit: Dances with Films gives Independent Film a Fresh Take
The Girl spent Saturday at the Dances with Films festival doing some press coverage for the world premiere of an innovative documentary, With No Regrets: A Dancin' Man's Journey.
Dances with Films was formed in 1998 by a group of filmmakers who envisioned a festival where the quality of the work was the point of entry, and not “who you knew”. Now in its 16th year, the Fest is often a launch pad for filmmakers and those who represent film. Some have gone on to write, direct, and produce for studio projects, as well as found agency representation.
With No Regrets: A Dancin' Man's Journey chronicles the life of Tony Stevens, a dancer/choreographer whose career spanned 45-plus years. Tony danced, choreographed, and worked alongside such luminaries as Chita Rivera, Bob Fosse, Liza Minnelli, Michael Bennett, Mary Tyler Moore and Dolly Parton; yet many outside of the dance world (and some within) don't really know who he was. This film seeks to remedy this.
George Fairfield directed this labor of love, and his wife, Crystal Chapman wrote the script. Here's the preview of George's work. Read my review of the film at my Examiner.com page.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/JpvL5mqvb1s]
Crystal Chapman was also Tony's friend and protégé. She wrote a moving article about him giving more detail on the depth of his influence: Thinking Out Loud: I Remember Tony.
The Director and his film are working their way through the film festival circuit and other outlets. Follow George Fairfield's YouTube channel and LinkedIn page to find out whether it will be viewing at a festival near you.
The Dances with Film festival runs from May 30-June 9, and tickets are still available for many of the films and shorts. They also have a noontime panel starting Monday, June 3rd, featuring entertainment industry heavyweights from across the spectrum.
I'll get the opportunity over the next eight days to view more of the films , and do some more coverage of the Fest--it's always refreshing to see new vision and talent come to life on the screen!