An 85-Year-Old Dancing to 'Disco Beats' Shines in NFMLA's InFocus: Counter-Ageism Initiative - MovieMaker Magazine

      “Disco Beats” — the tale of an 85-year-old man discovering disco dancing — and the Oscar-nominated “The Singers” — a narrative about overlooked men in a bar rediscovering their voices — stood out at the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles festival, which focused on combating ageism.

      The day commenced with an array of comedy, sci-fi, drama, mystery, musical, and documentary films, culminating in “The Singers,” a genre-blending and innovative work by Sam A. Davis. This film is nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards, and Davis was previously nominated for Best Documentary Short Film for the 2023 short “Nai Nai & Wài Pó.”

      The NFMLA event featured InFocus: Counter-Ageism, a selection of films spotlighting aging protagonists and narratives that challenge age-related stereotypes and fears, along with filmmakers who address these same issues.

      The evening wrapped up with the West Coast Premiere of The Long Run, the second feature film by writer-director and NFMLA alum Mylissa Fitzsimmons. This road-trip movie provides an existential look at ambition and friendship as two strangers travel together in pursuit of their dreams.

      NFMLA showcases films from filmmakers of diverse backgrounds year-round, both in its general and InFocus programming. All filmmakers are invited and encouraged to submit their projects for consideration in upcoming NFMLA Festivals, regardless of the timing of InFocus programming, which highlights representation by featuring various filmmaking communities as part of the NFMLA Monthly Film Festival. This initiative is partially funded by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA).

      “Disco Beats,” directed by Ken Arquello.

      About Ken: ‘Disco Beats’ marks Ken's directorial debut, which won Best Short Film at the Fort Lauderdale and Arizona International Film Festivals. A Latino filmmaker, he received a producing fellowship from the PGA Create Program and NALIP (National Association of Latino Independent Producers) for the television pilot Desert Rats, which he co-created and co-wrote. He is currently developing a feature adaptation of “Disco Beats” titled Last Dance at Calle Ocho, featuring “Disco Beats” lead Pepe Serna, about a once-prominent salsa dancer seeking one last shot at fame in Miami’s Little Havana.

      About “Disco Beats”: Set in Detroit in 1979, an elderly man attempts to persuade a cynical disco dance instructor to teach him, aiming to surprise his wife for their 60th wedding anniversary in just a week.

      Watch the NFMLA interview with Ken Arquello, the Director of “Disco Beats.”

      “Portraits in Coal,” directed by Jack Gaertner.

      About Jack: Jack Gaertner is a documentary filmmaker from Atlanta whose work explores the core of southern life — its people, places, and contradictions. He focuses on human stories that highlight resilience and perseverance, capturing the raw and emotionally authentic. Currently, he works as a camera operator while refining his skills across various types of productions, including documentary, sports, and commercials.

      About “Portraits of Coal”: In the aftermath of tragedy in the mining town of Whitesville, the remnants of hardship and corruption continue to challenge a determined Appalachian community.

      Watch the NFMLA interview with Jack Gaertner, the director of “Portraits in Coal.”

      “standby,” directed by Robert Gomes.

      About Robert: Robert Gomes is a filmmaker and actor residing in New York City. He produced the acclaimed short films “Deflated,” directed by D Shroff, and “Pew! Pew! Pew!” As an actor, he appeared on Broadway in The Last Night of Ballyhoo and Racing Demon, with extensive off-Broadway and regional experience. His film credits include The Way I Remember It, Body/Antibody, An Englishman in New York, and the HBO film Daddy. He has made numerous TV appearances, including roles in Sex and the City, Ed, and Law and Order. He is currently co-writing a series, Rio House, set in Austin, Texas, with D Shroff.

      About “standby”: A middle-aged gay actor, feeling disheartened yet dedicated as a standby in an off-Broadway production, experiences a revitalization of his passion for the arts in this tribute to the theater.

      Watch the NFMLA interview with Robert Gomes, the director of “standby.”

      “The Singers,” directed by Sam Davis.

      About Sam: Sam Davis is an Oscar-nominated filmmaker with a strong background in cinematography. After earning his degree from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, he produced, shot, and edited the 2019 Academy Award-winning Netflix short “Period. End of Sentence.” Since then, his work has received recognition at Sundance, Tribeca, and SXSW. In 2023, Sam was nominated for an Emmy for his cinematography on the SXSW-winning New York Times Op