An 85-year-old taking dance lessons in 'Disco Beats' stands out as a key feature of NFMLA's InFocus: Counter-Ageism initiative - MovieMaker Magazine.

      “Disco Beats” — a tale of an 85-year-old man discovering disco dance — and the Oscar-nominated “The Singers” — a narrative about forgotten men in a bar reclaiming their voices — were standout features at the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles festival, which had a special emphasis on combating ageism.

      The event kicked off with a variety of films spanning comedy, sci-fi, drama, mystery, musical, and documentary genres, reaching its peak with “The Singers,” an innovative film from Sam A. Davis that blends genres. This film has been nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards, and Davis previously earned a nomination for Best Documentary Short Film for the 2023 project “Nai Nai & Wài Pó.”

      The NFMLA event presented InFocus: Counter-Ageism, a series that showcased films featuring aging protagonists, stories that challenge age-related stereotypes and the anxieties surrounding aging, along with filmmakers who confront those stereotypes in their work.

      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 film provides an existential reflection on ambition and friendship, as two strangers embark on a journey towards their dreams.

      NFMLA highlights films from filmmakers of diverse backgrounds throughout the year, encompassing general and InFocus programming. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit their works for consideration in future NFMLA Festivals, regardless of the InFocus programming schedule, which emphasizes representation by highlighting various filmmaker communities as part of the NFMLA Monthly Film Festival. This initiative is supported in part by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) through grants.

      “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 Desert Rats, a television pilot he co-created and co-wrote. He is currently developing a feature adaptation of “Disco Beats” titled Last Dance at Calle Ocho, starring “Disco Beats” lead Pepe Serna, which tells the story of a salsa dancer past his prime who is granted one final opportunity for fame, set in Miami’s Little Havana.

      About “Disco Beats”: Set in Detroit in 1979, an elderly man seeks to persuade a weary disco dance instructor to teach him to dance, aiming to surprise his wife on their 60th wedding anniversary…with just a week to prepare.

      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 — exploring its people, places, and contradictions. His films focus on stories of resilience and determination, prioritizing human portraits and Americana's nuances. While currently working as a camera operator, he is refining his shooting skills and gaining experience across various types of productions, including documentary, sports, and commercial.

      About “Portraits of Coal”: Years after a disaster strikes the mining town of Whitesville, remnants of hardship and corruption continue to reverberate, testing the strength of a committed 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 award-winning short films “Deflated,” by D Shroff, and “Pew! Pew! Pew!” As an actor, he appeared on Broadway in The Last Night of Ballyhoo and Racing Demon, and has extensive off-Broadway and regional experience. Film credits include roles in The Way I Remember It, Body/Antibody, An Englishman in New York, and the HBO film Daddy. He has also made numerous TV appearances, including in Sex and the City, Ed, and Law and Order. Upcoming, he and D Shroff are co-writing a series titled Rio House, set in Austin, Texas.

      About “standby”: A middle-aged gay actor, disheartened but devoted, works in NYC as a standby for an off-Broadway show and experiences a revitalization of his passion for the theater — with an unexpected jolt.

      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 diverse skill set and a foundation in cinematography. After graduating from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, he produced, shot, and edited the 2019 Academy Award