Directed and written by Lauren Caster, RHYTHM IS A DANCER had its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival on Sunday, October 26th, with Caster and members of the cast and crew in attendance. The heartfelt coming-of-age drama marks Caster’s feature-film debut and stars Caster herself as Ro, a struggling dancer who returns home after several years away to meet her biological father for the first time, confronting the complexities of her unconventional upbringing.
Film programmer Andy Volk moderated the premiere’s Q&A, featuring Caster and cast members Amy Aquino and Marianne Muellerleile.
Synopsis: Ro, a struggling dancer, returns home to meet her biological father for the first time. Raised by her mother, Susan, a lesbian who chose insemination, Ro wrestles with her unconventional family past. At her new job, she bonds with three lively octogenarians who help her rediscover her roots, her family, and herself.
Written/ Directed and produced by: Lauren Caster
Starring: Lauren Caster, Tate Donovan, Amy Aquino, and Marianne Muellerleile
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Coming-of-age
Second screening: Monday, October 27, 2025, 8:45pm, Galaxy Theater. Details: https://austinfilmfestival.com/ Photo: Jagan Cortez
Source: AFF