Live from the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood for the movie premiere of “How To Date Again” that is a beautiful, heartwarming, and romantic comedy-drama film that is directed by Matt Flanders and co-written by Flanders and Rob Mor, who also stars as the main character. 
Right after the movie there was a Q&A: 
where Rob revealed that this movie was based on the loss of his real wife: Noel who died at only 31 years of age in 2019 (Born 1987). This movie is a beautiful fantasy extension of Rob’s life, that I think you will love watching!
I was able to meet Rob and he was so nice to pose for a photo with me, as did his co-star: the beautiful Natasha Loring, who has a very pleasing English accent, who gave a great performance in this movie as “Leigh” who turns a one night date into a wonderful 2 day road trip, that starts out in Silver Lake, California, and takes a scenic drive up North along the California coast to San Luis Obispo County. Rob & Natasha are in the below photo taken from the movie: 
The story follows Michael (played by Rob Mor), an LA-based animator who is completely heartbroken and reeling from a devastating personal loss. Pushed by his well-meaning friends to get back into the dating world, he meets Leigh (Natasha Loring), an emotionally intuitive music record executive. Matching each other’s unique, quirky personalities, the two embark on a spontaneous road trip along the California coast—including stops in San Luis Obispo County and the famous Madonna Inn—as they navigate the messy, vulnerable process of healing and learning to love again.
The Excellent Cast:
Rob Mor as Michael:
Rob is an Actor, Director, Producer, and is known for The Royal Bake Off and The Lincoln Lawyer. He was so nice to pose for a photo with me, as you can see him on the right of the photo: 
Natasha Loring as “Leigh” who is an award winning English Actress. She was so nice to pose for a photo with me, as you can see her on the right of the photo:
Johnno Wilson as Xander. Johnno Wilson is an actor who met his wife, Anneliese van der Pol, on the set of the Disney sitcom Raven’s Home. The couple married in Santa Barbara in December 2024 and welcomed a baby girl in December 2025. Wilson has also appeared in Searching, King Richard, Jungleland, Bride Hard, Two Days Back, Modern Family, and Cloudy with a Chance of Love.
Haley Joel Osment as Hugh:
Haley Joel Osment is an Academy Award-nominated American actor who found early success in the film industry. He won a Young Artist Award for his role in Forrest Gump and delivered a memorable performance as a ghost-haunted boy in the film that made the iconic line “I see dead people” a catchphrase. Osment’s filmography includes A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Pay It Forward, Somebody I Used to Know, and Happy Gilmore 2. He was so nice to pose for a photo with me, as you can see him on the right of the photo. This was from more than 10 years ago, when he was much younger and did not grow his beard yet. When we first met if was when he starred in an on stage reading of the comedy movie classic: Fast Times at Ridgemont High: 
Kevin Nealon as Larry:
Kevin Nealon is an Emmy and SAG-nominated actor, comedian, author, and stand-up artist. He’s best known for his 9 years on Saturday Night Live, and has excellent dry wit, sharp observations, and distinctive comedic voice. Nealon’s television credits include Weeds, Monk, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Glenn Martin, DDS, and Still Standing. He also starred in all four seasons of CBS’s Man With A Plan.
Emilio Rivera as Rancher. Emilio Rivera is an American film and television actor and stand-up comedian. He is best known for his portrayal of Marcus Álvarez in Sons of Anarchy and its spin-off, Mayans M.C. He is also known for his depiction of criminals and law enforcement officers
The Heartbreaking Real-Life Inspiration:
The feature film expands on themes from a 2022 award-winning short film titled Ghosted. The story is deeply personal to creator Rob Mor; it is based on his own journey navigating grief after his wife, Noel, tragically passed away from ovarian cancer at just 31 years old, only four months after their daughter was born. Mor wrote the project to explore how humor, art, and memory can coexist with joy when trying to rebuild a life after profound loss.
World Premiere: The film officially premiered at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival on April 25, 2026.
Los Angeles Premiere: It held its L.A. premiere on June 21, 2026, at the TCL Chinese Theatre as part of the Dances With Films festival.
Descendant of Thieves Debuts First Animated Short “Dres the Thief” at Dances With Films 2026: 
Earlier in the day was a short film Dres the Thief, that was part of Comp Shorts Block 4 at the TCL Chinese Theatre (6925 Hollywood Blvd). The film’s director is Tomas Vergara who also directed Quimera starring Martin Rodriguez (from the series Griselda) which was screened in Cannes, at the French Riviera Film Festival, a few years ago. Tomas and the film producers (the founders of NY based fashion house Descendant of Thieves were also there.
The animated short Dres the Thief, the first original production from the NY based fashion house Descendant of Thieves, made its world premiere at the 2026 Dances With Films Festival, that took place June 18–26 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
A dark, richly textured animated film, Dres the Thief centers on the enigmatic character of Dres Ladro, inspired by the brand’s lead designer and creative force behind Descendant of Thieves’ distinctive menswear aesthetic. Drawing from the designer’s anecdotal origins, the story follows a young Ladro as he is gradually pulled toward his creative destiny—secretly stealing his father’s shirts and transforming them into bold, original designs.
A pivotal dinner table confrontation captures the emotional core of the film: as his father voices frustration over the missing garments, tension builds within the household, underscored by the low growl of the family dog. Retreating to his room, Dres channels defiance into creation, beginning yet another design with a mischievous yet determined resolve.
The film is the brainchild of Descendant of Thieves founder Matteo Maniatty, who penned the script, alongside Suwana Perry, co-owner and COO, who serves as executive producer. Director and animator Tomas Vergara—known for his visually striking works Isolated and Quimera (starring Martín Rodríguez)—joined the project following a chance meeting with Maniatty in Barcelona.
“From our first conversation, I could tell Tomas saw stories differently,” said Maniatty. “There was a depth to his thinking and visual imagination that immediately stood out. I left that meeting feeling like I had found the person who could bring Dres the Thief to life.” At the time, the script had been shelved, awaiting the right creative partner. Their shared commitment to craft and intentional storytelling ultimately brought the project to fruition.
Entirely hand-drawn and richly layered, the animation reflects Vergara’s signature style while echoing the meticulous, small-batch philosophy that defines Descendant of Thieves. Founded by Maniatty alongside the elusive Dres Ladro, the brand was built in opposition to mass-produced fashion, guided by two core principles: limited production runs and the preservation of Ladro’s undisclosed identity. Suwana Perry is the film’s executive producer.
- The Narrative: The short explores his journey into fashion, reflecting the brand’s motto of “Love thy neighbor, but dammit, don’t dress like them”.
- The Production: It was brought to life in partnership with animation studio Rogue Creatures.
- Screenings: The short made its festival premiere in Los Angeles at the Dances With Films festival in Hollywood
Tickets: DRES THE THIEF | DANCES WITH FILMS
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