As an event management professional, Joedance Film Festival continues to impress me every year. Joedance had grassroots beginnings in a local courtyard then moved within Fourth Ward to Charlotte Ballet as their home venue. I was in awe how seamless they pivoted in 2020 to being a virtual festival. Joedance has provided a special event experience for its loyal and new patrons alike. It is also a welcoming environment for local filmmakers even expanding its reach into Georgia and Tennessee as of late. Aside from the event experience itself the cause of bringing funds and awareness to rare pediatric cancer is such an important one. The event is in memory of Joe Restaino who passed away in 2010 from his battle with cancer at the age of 20. Joe is at the forefront of the difference they are making at Levine Children's and continue to raise significant and crucial funds.
Cancer affects so many of us. I doubt there is one person who hasn't had cancer in their family, or a friend, or loved one. "Using a multicultural festival incorporating the power of cinema and performing arts to raise funds for pediatric cancer research at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital." I am grateful for organizations like these that keep fighting for a cure. Thank you.
If you are a film fan, you should attend this annual event in the summer. I love that I can watch films while knowing it is going to a good cause.
The longevity of 10 years of Joedance Film Festival speaks to the talent and dedication of its founders and supporters. This is a charity you can trust with Proceeds directly benefit Levine Children’s Hospital by supporting rare pediatric cancer research and providing the most advanced treatment to children of the Carolinas.
The beauty of JOedance is that it not only supports research for cancer, it gives a vital platform to filmmakers.
Joedance was inspired by Joe Restaino, who passed away after a four-year battle with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) at the age of 20. Joe asked his mother Diane to start an event to raise money for cancer research. A conversation in the Restainos’ living room with a few family friends after Joe’s death sparked the idea for Joedance; the name is a reference to the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. This nonprofit is making a BIG difference.
Joe's story is really moving and his family and now the foundation is dedicated to raising funds and awareness of rare pediatric cancers, specifically, sarcomas, blastomas and brain tumors, for research and clinical trials at Levine Children’s Hospital.
The annual film festival is committed to screening films of Charlotte-based film producers, writers and directors and do a wonderful job.