Film Festival Founders Share How You Can Grow from the Festival Experience

What led Michael and Leslee to found the Dances With Films Festival

Orion’s cease and desist letter and “Festival of the Unknowns”

Creating a sustainable model by prioritizing film and championing new talent

Why DWF is held in Los Angeles and respect for the film selection process

Acknowledging not all films are good and why filmmakers need to keep practicing

Engaging with new filmmakers and preparing them for the industry

Watching the whole film and looking for the heart when selecting films for DWF

How all films not chosen receive “pass” letters that include positive comments

The challenge of DWF’s programming and how it’s evolved over the years