When the audience at the Palm Springs International Shortfest Film Festival laughed at every intended comedy moment, shed tears and felt uplifted, it was no surprise that their approbation proved infectious and compelling.
L.A. Times film critic, Betsy Sharkey one of the judging panel went on the record to endorse the 8 minutes long film: "Look for Aussie director, Jessica Barclay Lawton / Writer, Rhys Mitchell's short, 'We Keep on Dancing.' Lovely, moving, surprising. A Palm Springs ShortFest winner."
The inaugural production of Jerry Projects, a collaboration between filmmakers, Jessica Barclay Lawton, Rhys Mitchell and award winning cinematographer, Edward Goldner, 'We Keep on Dancing' marks an auspicious beginning for the fledgling company; other projects are already in discussion for this year.
The impressive cast of John Brumpton, William Gluth and Rhys Mitchell create an exciting dynamic in a setting that reveals the depth of their artistic design and perfectionism. The Rainbow Automotive Workplace itself presents a thoroughly engaging visual spectacle which forms the perfect backdrop to the rawness of the characters' charm. It is grease smeared and earthy which poignantly frames the emotionally compelling and entirely unexpected celebration of human connection.
It begins with a moment's respite, a computer game and the sight of an older man pushing his smoking VW beetle into the workshop. Through the haze of his concerns, we discover something quite charming about these characters and ourselves.
'We Keep on Dancing' won the award for best action narrative film under 15 minutes from a field of over 3,000 entrants and 320 finalists. This success marks a distinguished entrée for the three young filmmakers at Jerry Projects.
