PRINCETON’S IN THE MIX
https://danceswithfilms.com/princetons-in-the-mix/
In PRINCETON’S IN THE MIX, the modern woes of college admissions season get uglier when elite parents find a new way to get a leg up in the competition.
Heather Burns, my favorite actress from Miss Congeniality (and the eternal April 25th meme), gives Beth a lethal edge. She nails this role. Charlie Besso plays son Teddy with the hesitant vulnerability needed to counter Burns’s maniacal intensity.
DP Jason Jossefer delivers beautifully sharp and immersive camera work. Filmmaker Jonathan Di Maio takes a viciously tongue-in-cheek look at the pressure of keeping up with the Joneses, calling out the admissions scandal in Hollywood. The foreshadowing in the first scene is chef’s kiss. Di Maio’s voice is loud and clear, and I look forward to whatever comes next.
WRITER/DIR: Jonathan DiMaio
PRODS: Antonio Alonzo Ayala, Heather Brawley, Matt Stoner, David Zax (Co-Producer), Nagi Chami (Executive Producer)
CAST: Heather Burns, Charlie Besso, Syra McCarthy, Nate Duncan
When the wealthy mother of a high schooler discovers that her son can get extra time on the SAT if he gets injured, things spiral out of control.
One of the most harrowing stories I’ve seen featured in a short film comes from BriGuel‘s HOW I ROLL. This 13-minute emotional rollercoaster is an eye-opening tale of resilience. Robin Cohen lives with MS, navigating Miami, Manhattan, and a family history of shocking violence, loss, and great love. 
BriGuel beautifully edits Cohen’s innermost thoughts, one on top of the other in the most organic way, mimicking the chaos of our mind’s intrusive thoughts. With an abundance of home videos and footage of Robin’s daily life and love story, HOW I ROLL introduces the world to a woman who inspires us to love, laugh, and live life to its fullest despite what might feel like insurmountable odds. Eternal positivity and perseverance are the beauty of life.
At an impasse of religion and love, the title of this thought-provoking short film suggests that it’s a horror film. While not touted as such, what unfolds in 25 minutes between family members is absolutely horrific. To fully appreciate the nuance in Over My Dead Body takes an open mind. Often, we place ourselves in the shoes of the characters on screen. Here, depending on your religious beliefs (or lack thereof), the complexities are unsurpassed. Having religion forced upon me as a child backfired at the age of about 14. In a world filled with volatility caused by media corporations, conflicting gods, and traditions, Over My Dead Body hits harder in modern times. Our families are supposed to love us unconditionally. What happens when that isn’t true? The cinematography is smart and takes advantage of the lush sets and costumes. Performances from this true ensemble cast are magnetic. You know this family. It resembles your own in more ways than you might realize at first watch. With an ending that will leave you breathless, the impact of this short should echo loudly.
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