“The First Position” from The Documentary Series presented by Emerging Pictures in HD at USCB Center For the Arts on Sunday, July 8 at 4 p.m.
Synopsis: An award winning documentary that follows six young dancers from around the world as they prepare for the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world. Every year, thousands of aspiring dancers enter this competition, where lifelong dreams are at stake
Ratings &amp; Reviews: Internet rating sites, IMDb: 6.2; Rotten Tomatoes: Critics: 96/Audience: 93. Very good marks.  Newspaper Critics: The New Yorker: “... a child’s hopeful spirit can actually triumph over the physical world.” LA Times: “Performers are so young, so serious, so full of dreams and so hard on themselves...”; Time: “This is a valentine to the art, just about as irresistible.”
Previewer Comments: This documentary in English is a remarkable look into the world of ballet, where you must begin to train seriously at a very young age, even preteen. The strength of this film is the filmmaker’s desire for the audience to understand each dancer’s background, makeup and story.
Rated: Unrated, but can be considered to be PG13

“In The Family” from The Indie Series on Monday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Synopsis:  In a small town in Tennessee, Chip, a precocious six year old, has only known life with his two dads, Cody and Joey. And a good life it is. When Cody dies suddenly in a car accident, Joey and Chip struggle to find their footing again. However, Cody’s will names his sister as Chip’s guardian, rather than Joey. Joey’s life unravels as Chip is taken away from him. In his now solitary home life, Joey searches for a solution. The law is not on his side, but friends are. Armed by their comfort and inspired by memories of Cody, Joey finds a path to be at peace and closer to his son.
Ratings &amp; Reviews: Internet rating site, IMDb, has not yet rated this very new release, but Rotten Tomatoes: Critics: 100/Audience: 87; Very high marks. Newspaper Critics: Roger Ebert: “What a courageous first feature this is, a film that sidesteps shopworn stereotypes and tells a quiet, firm, deeply humanist story about doing the right thing.”
Previewer Comments: This Indie film with fine actors is a great movie to push us to widen our understanding and acceptance of different relationships and less traditional family units.  Its strength is in its ability to teach us how love and caring transcends sexuality, without preaching or shoving it in our faces. Try hard to see it!
Rated: Likely considered PG13.

“Otter 501” from the Documentary Film Series on Wednesday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Synopsis: A storm grows, a sea otter pup is separated from her mother, and a young woman bound for adventure blows in to town. On a wild, windswept beach these lives collide and an entire species’ survival gets personal. Otter 501 combines stunning natural history footage with clever, digital age storytelling. See the playful pup, otter number 501, get an amazing second chance at life in the wild.
Ratings &amp; Reviews:  Internet site IMDb 3.0, Rotten Tomatoes: Critics: 60/Audiences: 100. The ratings reflect that critics seldom like documentaries, but audiences love them.
Previewer Comments:  This documentary about the loveable sea otter and the perils it faces is charming and delightful for all love  rs of sea animals, including children and adults.
Rated: Likely considered PG.
All films are presented by Emerging Pictures in HD at USCB Center for the Arts. Tickets for adults are $7, seniors $6, students $5. Call the box office at 843-521-4145 or purchase day of performance. Box office opens one hour prior to show time.
Dennis Tavernetti is a resident of St. Helena Island and retired to the Lowcountry having a lifelong interest in the arts.