Disco Beats

Disco Beats Poster

Midwest Premiere

Showings

Festival tickets go on sale March 18, with visionaries and members receiving early access for ticket purchase.

April 10, 2026
2:25 pm – 4:05 pm
Cedar Lee Theatre
April 12, 2026
12:00 pm – 1:40 pm
Playhouse Square Campus

About This Film

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Festival Year: 2026
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Run Time: 19 Minutes
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Film Type: Short
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Animated: No
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Genre: Drama, Heart
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Countr(ies): USA
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Language: English
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English Subtitles: No
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Captions: Open
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Release Year: 2025

Film Overview

DISCO BEATS is a tender exploration of two men at different stages of life who connect through the shared language of dance. LOU, an 80 year old man who’s never learned to dance enlists the help of BENNY, a middle-aged disgruntled dance instructor, to teach him to dance so that he can surprise his wife, GLORIA on their 60th wedding anniversary. Frustrated with his station in life, Benny’s fear of a long-term commitment is affecting his relationship with ROSIE, the owner of the dance studio. Over the course of the day, the two men mentor each other ending with a poignant lesson that Lou shares with Benny giving him a newfound appreciation of life that strengthens his bond with Rosie.

Film Contact: Ken Arquelio

Cast & Crew

Directed By

Ken Arquelio Headshot
Ken Arquelio

Produced By

Stephanie Bell

Screenwriting

Ken Arquelio

Cinematographers

Joel E Schaeffer

Editors

Kayvon Derak Shanian

Principal Cast

Pepe Serna, Ken Arquelio, Elia Cantu, Shireen Crutchfield