By Trevor H Smith
When filmmaker and director Christina Morales Hemenway launched Dancingstar’s Uplifting Shorts Film Fest, she set out to build something rare in today’s film landscape: a space dedicated exclusively to short films with uplifting endings.
I first met Christina while she was directing for Moonbeam Proof of Concept, and even then I could see how talented and creative she was. Watching the trailers for her past films confirmed it — she has a gift for storytelling that leaves an impact.
That Moonbeam Proof of Concept, produced by NOLA Bunny Productions, brought together an outstanding cast and crew. Nola Mentzer starred as Moonbeam, supported by Beatrice Boepple of the Nightmare on Elm Street saga as Winifred, Luna Sofia Miranda from Sean Baker’s Academy Award–winning Anora as the Stranger, Nicole Michele Guilbault — a SAG-AFTRA actress, stuntwoman, board member of NJ WebFest, and performer with stunt credits on Netflix’s You — as the Cashier, and Pearls Daily as Mrs. McAlister.
Behind the camera, the leadership was just as impressive. Christina Morales Hemenway directed with vision, while Stephanie J. Ferreira stepped in as 1st Assistant Director and Production Coordinator, building on her growing reputation as both an actor and filmmaker with her upcoming short film Surrender. Steve Lifshey, whose Life on Pause is an essential watch for anyone who has worked in weddings, kept the production sharp as Script Supervisor.
The crew extended even further: I had the honor of serving as Director of Photography and Gaffer, Riel Lewis mixed sound, Carlin Rizzo managed locations, and Michael Klimovich kept the team fueled in craft services. Nola Mentzer herself also doubled as Production Designer and Set Decorator, underscoring the dedication and creativity that made the two-day shoot unforgettable.
What struck me most was the spirit on set. It wasn’t just about pulling off a proof of concept; it was about community. Shortly after the shoot, Nola sent a heartfelt note calling us her “dream team” and inviting everyone to be part of her crowdfunding campaign to take Moonbeam to feature length by autumn 2026. That sense of gratitude and collaboration reflects exactly why Christina’s new festival matters.
🎬 What the Festival Celebrates
The Dancingstar’s Uplifting Shorts Film Fest sets a clear standard: shorts must be 40 minutes or less, appropriate for all audiences, and leave viewers with a sense of hope. Categories include Best Performance, Best Cinematography, Best Direction, Best Writing, Most Uplifting Film, and both online and in-person Audience Choice Awards.
Winners receive laurels and exposure through Dancingstar’s platform, helping their work reach broader audiences.
đź“… Key Deadlines
- Early Bird: December 1, 2025
- Regular: January 1, 2026
- Late: February 1, 2026
- Extended: March 31, 2026
- Notifications: April 18–25, 2026
Submissions are accepted via FilmFreeway in .mov or .mp4 format, with fees ranging from $20–$50 (with discounts for students and FilmFreeway Gold members).
đź’ˇ Why It Matters
At a time when much of the media leans into the cynical or the dark, Dancingstar’s Uplifting Shorts Film Fest is a reminder that optimism has its place, too. Stories of resilience, joy, and possibility deserve the spotlight.
Even more importantly, this is a woman-led venture. Christina Morales Hemenway’s leadership, paired with the collaboration of creatives like Nola Mentzer, Stephanie J. Ferreira, Nicole Guilbault, Luna Sofia Miranda, Pearls Daily, and so many others, shows just how much strength there is in diverse voices working together.
This festival deserves more press and more support — and we at The Coast Press are proud to highlight it.
👉 For submissions and more info: FilmFreeway Festival Page
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