Home / Arts and Entertainment / Dances With Films NY: A Cinematic Showcase Begins Jan 15
Dances With Films NY: A Cinematic Showcase Begins Jan 15
16 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Festival runs Jan 15-18 at Regal Union Square, Manhattan.
- Opens with WWII thriller 'Vindicta', closes with 'Roof'.
- Features world premieres in multiple genres, including shorts.
The 2026 edition of Dances With Films New York is set to run from January 15-18, taking place at the Regal Union Square in Manhattan. This year's festival opens with 'Vindicta,' a drama-thriller directed by Dominik Sedlar, drawing inspiration from true World War II events. The event will draw to a close on January 18 with the world premiere of Salvatore Sciortino's 'Roof,' a film centered on two co-workers trapped on a skyscraper.
The festival's programming includes a wide spectrum of independent cinema, featuring world premieres across narrative, nonfiction, Midnight Features, Family Films, TV/web pilots, and shorts. Notable documentaries include 'Dad Genes' by Craig Downing and 'Kratom: Side Effects May Include' by Jamie and Jason Neese, which explores the contentious plant-based extract.
Founded by Leslee Scallon and Michael Trent, Dances With Films has established itself as a premier platform for independent filmmaking, with sister festivals in Los Angeles. Their stated mission is to discover new talent and provide distribution and representation opportunities, fostering the careers of emerging filmmakers.
