A fictionalized research group explores the mystery behind why many skateboarders chose the streets over the skate park. “Spots,” directed by Daniel Paese, is a warm, curious study of skate subculture, spot-hunting, and the spirit behind it all. We’re introduced to the world of street-skating by an anonymous narrator. The film opens similarly to a curricular educational video. From there, through a variety of static compositions, close and afar, we learn about the variety of undesirable and desirable factors of an ideal location: ramps, gaps, rails, banks, etc. As it distinguishes between man-made skate-parks and ones that are not, we are enamored by the world of naturally occurring skate spots. Throughout, we’re allured by the inquisitive voice of our speaker, locked-down frames, and whimsical musical cues. It’s a warm embrace of skating as an art form and also an effective educational piece on an unexpected subject. -JM. Director/DP/Editor: Daniel Paese. Cast: Avery Miller, Max Wheeler, Alex Kehoe, Chris Landers, Austin Garner, Belicia Wilcoxen. Additional Cinematography: Brandon Yuenger.