An 85-Year-Old Discovering Dance Through 'Disco Beats' Shines in NFMLA's InFocus: Counter-Ageism Program - MovieMaker Magazine

      “Disco Beats” — the tale of an 85-year-old man learning to disco dance — and the Oscar-nominated “The Singers,” which explores the stories of forgotten men in a bar as they rediscover their voices, were standout features at the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles festival, which aimed to combat ageism.

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

      The NFMLA event also highlighted InFocus: Counter-Ageism, a selection of films featuring aging main characters and stories that challenge age-related stereotypes and the anxieties associated with aging, as well as filmmakers whose works confront those same issues.

      The evening wrapped up with the West Coast Premiere of The Long Run, the second feature film from writer-director and NFMLA alum Mylissa Fitzsimmons. This road-trip film provides a contemplative look at ambition and friendship as two strangers share a journey toward their dreams.

      NFMLA showcases films by filmmakers of diverse backgrounds year-round, across its general and InFocus programs. All filmmakers are invited to submit their projects for consideration in upcoming NFMLA Festivals, regardless of the timing of InFocus programming, which celebrates representation by highlighting various filmmaker 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 debut as a film director and has won Best Short Film at both the Fort Lauderdale and Arizona International Film Festivals. As a Latino, 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 film adaptation of “Disco Beats” titled Last Dance at Calle Ocho, featuring “Disco Beats” lead Pepe Serna, about a once-prominent salsa dancer who is given one final shot at fame, set in Miami’s Little Havana.

      About “Disco Beats”: Set in Detroit in 1979, an elderly gentleman seeks to persuade a disenchanted disco dance instructor to teach him dancing, with the intention of surprising his wife on their 60th wedding anniversary, which takes place in just one 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 delves into the essence of Southern life — its people, places, and contradictions. He focuses on human stories that reveal resilience and perseverance, crafting narratives that emphasize authenticity and emotional truth. Currently working as a camera operator, he continues to refine his skills across various types of productions, including documentary, sports, and advertising.

      About “Portraits of Coal”: Years after a devastating event in the mining town of Whitesville, the lingering effects of hardship and corruption pose challenges for a resilient 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 based in New York City. He produced the acclaimed short films “Deflated,” directed by D Shroff, and “Pew! Pew! Pew!” On stage, he has performed in Broadway productions such as The Last Night of Ballyhoo and Racing Demon, with extensive off-Broadway and regional experience. His film credits include appearances in The Way I Remember It, Body/Antibody, An Englishman in New York, and the HBO film Daddy. He has many television credits, including roles in Sex and the City, Ed, and Law and Order. Coming up, he is co-writing a series, Rio House, set in Austin, Texas, with D Shroff.

      About “standby”: A disheartened yet devoted middle-aged gay actor, working in NYC as a standby for an off-Broadway production, experiences a rekindling of his passion for theater in this homage to the stage.

      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 background in cinematography. After graduating from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, he produced, shot, and edited the 2019 Academy Award-winning Netflix short film “Period. End of Sentence