The Palm Springs International Film Festival opened its doors for a screening of “She Dances,” A comedy-drama directed by Rick Gomez in his directorial debut.
The screenplay is written by Gomez and Actor Steve Zahn, who leads the film alongside Ethan Hawke, Audrey Zahn, Sonequa Martin-Green, Mackenzie Ziegler, and Rosemarie DeWitt.
The film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 5, 2025, and was released to a limited number of screens in the United States on March 27.
At the screening during the Palm Springs International Film Festival, director Rick Gomez and lead actors Steve Zahn, Audrey Zahn and Mackenzie Ziegler attended photo opportunities and participated in a brief discussion with the audience.
“She Dances” follows Claire, played by Audrey Zahn, a teenage girl navigating her final dance competition with her best friend Kat, played by Mackenzie Ziegler, while being forced to reconnect with her estranged father, Jason, played by Steve Zahn.
When the girls need a chaperone for the trip, the trio forms an entertaining small ensemble as the film progresses.
The film serves as an introduction to Audrey Zahn, and in her first leading role, she delivers a strong performance that leaves a lasting impression.
Zahn is a magnetic lead, and her chemistry with Mackenzie Ziegler feels natural, as though the two have been friends for years.
Claire’s strained relationship with her father in “She Dances” effectively portrays grief from different perspectives.
Director Rick Gomez and actor/co-writer Steve Zahn placed significant trust in Audrey Zahn, asking her to handle not only the emotional complexity of portraying grief but also the physical demands of performing the film’s dance sequences.
Audrey Zahn and Steve Zahn both deliver strong performances, bringing realism and emotional depth to their characters. Their performances suggest they are drawing from personal themes and experiences that add authenticity to the film.
Steve Zahn also does an excellent job of sharing the screen with Audrey Zahn while still giving her space for her performance to stand out.
Steve Zahn brings warmth and charm to the film. As a co-writer, producer and lead actor, Zahn plays a major role in shaping the film’s emotional impact.
Zahn’s character is caring not only toward his on-screen daughter but also toward her best friend, and the trio shares several tender and heartfelt moments throughout the film. At times, it truly feels as though viewers are watching a small family come together.
“She Dances” is a heartfelt and emotionally complex story about a father-daughter relationship that uses the setting of a dance competition as a backdrop to explore themes of grief, acceptance and moving forward.
The film effectively blends comedy and drama, transitioning naturally between humorous moments and emotionally heavier scenes. From the spot-on Jennifer Coolidge impressions to the emotions expressed through dance, the film balances both elements in a way that keeps audiences engaged.
One of the most impressive aspects of “She Dances” is its cinematography. Cinematographer David Morrison uses split-screen shots early in the film to highlight the similarities between the father and daughter, even when they are apart. The technique helps audiences better understand the characters and stands out as a creative choice not often seen in recent independent films.
The film is raw and emotionally honest in the best way, making it a standout collaboration between Rick Gomez and Steve Zahn.
There was not a dry eye in the audience by the end of the screening, and “She Dances” has been well received by audiences, holding an 89% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film is currently available for purchase on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
