A compelling coming-of-age drama from New Zealand, “The Rehearsal” starts with a country boy named Stanley (James Rolleston, star of “Boy”) auditioning for a prestigious Auckland drama school. You immediately see what the teacher sees: Stanley is a star. This winning  film, based on the first novel by Mann Booker Prize winning author Eleanor Catton, follows Stanley and other recruits through their first year as they struggle with inner conflicts, and Stanley is forced to make a moral decision about whether a steamy scandal in his girlfriend’s family is fair game for him to dramatize in a school project.

New Zealand, 2016 (102 minutes)

Debut films can be hit and miss. Rachel Tunnard’s first film  definitely is the former. She won the Tribeca Film Festival’s prestigious Nora Ephron Award for “Adult Life Skills” which focuses on a confused teen, played with just the right degree of kookiness by the adorable Jodie Whittaker (“Broadchurch”). Grief stricken by the death of her twin brother she has fled to the seclusion of a shed in her mother’s garden. Facing her first birthday without her brother, she questions if she still qualifies as a twin. Its heart-felt emotions are sure to impress.

UK, 2016 (96 minutes)     

Two very different Irish high school outsiders learn to be true to themselves in this contemporary coming-of-age story. From the geek pariah to the secret gay jock right down to a rugby match as a tease of outsider self-affirmations–versions of this story are familiar to audiences. But the sweetness, poignancy and breezy humor of this popular Irish film make it pretty darn impossible to resist. Energetic directing by John Butler, charming performances, vibrant widescreen cinematography and an eclectic soundtrack cleverly used elevate this light-hearted but surprisingly nuanced- festival hit above the typical “feel-good” films of this genre.

Ireland, 2016 (94 min.)

An engrossing film starring Golden Globe-winning actress Rachel Griffiths (“Six Feet Under”). Her character has lost her son and develops an unorthodox relationship with a homeless youth played by Irish rising star Barry Keoghan. Their tentative trust is threatened by his involvement with a violent gang and the escalation of her ex-husband’s grieving rage. Winner Panavision Spirit Award, Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Ireland, 2016 (96 minutes)

A modern coming-of age-drama, a romance, a road movie – a truly independent film with a big heart, and a bold vision- this may be the “hidden gem” that festivalgoers always hope to find. A young couple set off on a road trip from rural Ireland to London; a large world, a small town and an unplanned pregnancy put the path in question. The future awaits – but what will be waiting there for them? Director Tom Ryan’s thoughtful film is about love, choices and being true to yourself.

Ireland, 2016 (77 minutes)

Set in 1974 Lancashire in Northern England, this is a story of two teenagers whose lives are changed by the discovery of black American soul music and the wild nightclub culture surrounding it. Music offers an escape from dreary factory jobs, but the drug/binge drinking lifestyle fueling it waylays them. A great sound track and cool dance moves make us root for these lads with their helmet haircuts to establish themselves as top DJs on the Northern Soul scene. “A British Saturday Night Fever” The Radio Times

UK, 2014 (99 minutes)

The real deal Northern Soul music provided by co-presenter Mod in San Francisco

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