Director: Matthew Bate, Gideon Obarzanek
2013
28 minutes

Recovering from the tragic death of his wife, Phillip Rose finds himself in middle age both a single parent and a single man. After a clumsy episode on a dance floor at a house warming party, he begins private dance classes with Melissa, a young instructor. Over a number of lessons their friendships evolves, and Phillip confronts his loneliness and isolation while learning a variety of Latin dances.

Based on a true story this hybrid film fuses documentary, drama and dance to create a unique and moving portrait of a grieving man.

Festivals: Cork; Sydney – Dendy Competition

Awards:

  • Dendy Awards: Best Live Action Shorts

I Want To Dance Better at Parties was supported by HIVE, a unique collaboration between Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund, Screen Australia, ABC Arts and the Australia Council for the Arts.

Film Type Short
Director Matthew Bate, Gideon Obarzanek
Producer Rebecca Summerton
Writer Matthew Bate, Gideon Obarzanek