Overhanging Above Egyptian Theatre

To all us film buffs, or wanna be film buffs, or filmmakers in the beginnings: We did it. We did the Sundance Thing. How awesome is that, really? I know whenever I meet new people, that has been a conversation starter, even my dental technician called me up the other night asking how the trip was. Sundance is a way bigger deal than we can ever believe. I don’t think I’ve spent so much money before going to see movies. Normally, I wait to get Hollywood movies for around 5 bucks on Amazon, even if I do get them six or seven years later. Sundance is a big deal. We got lucky and had a trip pretty well paid for so that we could go and watch quality films, and then schmooze with the director and the entire cast.

I was talking to Emma Lord before one of the shows, and we were both commenting how we would never be able to believe Muvico movie premieres. Those aren’t the authentic film premieres we grew accustomed to in Park City.  She and I both agreed that we would stick around to the end of the hypothetical movies we would see in our home theaters, and not be able to ask questions of the director, and how strange that would be. To be totally honest, I’m still not used to it! Sundance and Slamdance spoiled me! I vowed to go back one day, hopefully being 21 on those days I am there, so that I may help out with the Sundance Festival.

Classes back in regular ordinary life started on Tuesday, and yet I still feel in a daze. I feel like I should be getting out of a giant king sized bed Aprille and I shared downstairs, trudging into my sloppy morning routine, putting on my snowy gear, and going to 830am films. The other day, I even felt like I should have gotten out my snowboots and put them on, just to remember everything.

I know, here comes the part where you can definitely call me a cheeseball or even a suck up, but I have to thank Nate Andersen for setting the entire trip up for us. I thought about how much work it took to create the trip, and believe that on my own, I would have been helpless for planning. So here’s my thank-you-holy-cow-wow and reality checker all mashed into one.

To be totally honest, I am still in shock. I picked a movie I would have never seen in my life, with no idea what I would be walking into, and I watched it completely surprised. I sat down with my friend Aubrey, who is a fairly devout Christian, a peanut butter and honey sandwich, and a clear mind ready for anything. But what I didn’t expect was for Gregg Araki to blow my brain to smitherines with the shocking reality of the subject. I am sitting here once again in the same chair, about a month later, and still unsure of how I feel about it.

The story begins following two men who couldn’t be further different from one another. One man is a very reserved, almost conservative in taste, man who recently learned he is HIV positive. As Jon sits often to chat with his best girlfriend, he begins to feel that his life really is ending, and this is the living end for him. He meets Luke one day, as he picks him up hitchhiking. Jon is running from his problems, which also include being HIV positive. As the two men work through their problems, they bond a friendship unique to them and become a dynamic duo. Their relationship has its own pitfalls and of course, its successes. As their relationship grows, however, Luke admits that the way in which he wants to die, is while having sex with Jon.

As is expected, but not believed, Luke pulls out his gun at the end of the film, much like he had done for the entire film, and tells Jon to shoot him. [Heres the part where I have to ruin the ending, so just skip these sentences if you want to remain unknowing.] Jon cannot shoot Luke, and the two manage to still be alive, for one more day. Though I am still shocked to even think about the film, I know the message hit true. It is a film to see, not only to say “Oh, I saw ‘The Living End’ the other night, it was great!”, but also to understand how others are treated, and the torment in which people get lucky or unlucky constantly in life. I wouldn’t say it is the best film I have ever seen, however, I will say that it is the most provoking and strong film I have seen yet.

Imagine a jigsaw puzzle, that the more pieces you put together the harder it gets. That is my explanation of John Malkovich, and it is indeed a true classic. Stacked with a cast full of huge stars, it prior to watching it seemed almost impossible to fail. The best way to describe being John Malkovich is to think of it as jigsaw puzzle outside the box. Nothing is constricted, and it is clear that the director wants us all to keep an open mind to all possibilities.

The movie itself is something out of the ordinary, because the director seems to have to concern for breaking the barrier. Constantly the film is changing directions, and if you are the one who likes to constantly guess the outcome, than this movie is all you can handle. The film uses visual cues to play games with your mind. John Cusack does an excellent job in the movie representing the unemployed stressful aged man. While there is a strong comedic aspect to the film it has some dramatic aspects as well. Cusack is certainly not the only A list star cast in this movie, as Cameron Diaz plays an integral role cast as Lotee Schwartz.

So the question is what does John Malkovich bring to the table that many of the other indie films do not. The plot itself is very clever, more than anything I had ever experienced, and even though it is almost ludicrous (a closet being a portal) there is something to enticing about the film, that makes you want to sit through it keep guessing and watch it again.

In my eyes there is a distinct reason that this film, was on INDIES 50 most influential films, and it is without a doubt, for its intellect and creativity. Overall I would recommend this film to anyone who wants a good thriller, with some comedic aspects. Some may even go so far as to describe it as fantasy. No matter what your genre is Being John Malkovich is a definite must watch. 

As an ice cream bar, coffee house, and bakery, Java Cow is amazing. It has the perfect mocha and the greatest carmel machiatto, a phenominal chocolate croissant which has gooey fresh dark chocolate inside, not that petrified once melted chocolate chip kind either.

I have only met one kind of caffine which I have not enjoyed, and even Java Cow, everything seems to have that extra touch. All of the coffee beans used are shade grown, organic, and fair trade coffee. As far as environmentally friendly, it definitely has my money.

Everything (and I mean everything) was cow themed

The pastries are all beautifully arranged, and I can personally attest that there is only one delicious item which I didn’t like, their tiramisu, has been well over looked by myself and friends who visit the coffee shop on a daily basis. I have done my best to try every single coffee they serve, one a day, and each of them is unique and so far from Starbucks, it’s really fantastic. 

To top it off, Java Cow has the best ice cream, hands down. I have eaten about 5 flavors, my favorite being one called Wowie Cowie, consisting of vanilla ice cream, soft carmel and soft toffee, and carmel filled chocolate cups hidden in the cream greatness. I recommend this café to anyone who has a love for coffee, an eye for environmentally and people friendly beans, and taste buds not burned with over-roasted coffee.

Friday Jan 16th

“Before Tomorrow” Sundance

Probably one of the most amazing films I have ever seen, it told the story of a family, and later a grandson and his grandmother. It definitely was amazing as my first film, and so beautifully shot. It had me and my seat neighbors in tears at the finale.

“Unmade Beds” Sundance

As I was one of the first to see the film for the class, and this was only my second film, I was excited for it. And I was excited for one of the great films at Sundance this year. While it had little plot line, I loved that it followed only the main characters around their less seen city. It was definitely a great coming of age film.

Saturday Jan 17th

“Brooklyn’s Finest” Sundance

I left the theatre physically unable to speak because of how much this film gave me to think about. I loved it, I hated it, I was wrapped up in it, and it was the greatest film. As a 9 am film where I had to get up early to see it in the furthest theatre from our condo, I definitely was shocked into a daze which I still haven’t been shaken out of. It followed dirty cops, undercover cops, and soon to retire cops who had seen too much. By the end of the film, as one of the lead men we follow finally shoots himself in the serenity of a lake canoe, we feel all of the pain and anguish in which all of the actors felt. If it makes it in the “big time cinemas” I hope that everyone is as shocked as I was, because shocking people into these character’s lives the only way in which we can understand their situations.

“Weather Girl” Slamdance

I really loved this little romantic comedy. The director was able to capture me from the beginning, and while a friend of mine commented her belief that the female lead was not a great actress, I didn’t see this. I loved this cute little film, while it is definitely a chick-flick, I thought it was pretty funny for both ladies and gents alike. As the female lead looses her job over announcing her boyfriend’s cheating actions, on public television, hereby inhibiting her future career, the audience is left wondering where she will end up, and what will come of her moving in with her brother and his best friend. I will not lie when I say this, the brother and his friend are very attractive actors, so it worked out great.

“Mystery Team” Sundance

This film is very childish and in this way, very wonderful. The humor made it less of a horror film, even though the four boys take on a parent’s murder case without help and end up convicting the murder. I loved every minute of it.

Sunday Jan 18th

“World’s Greatest Dad” Sundance

I know a lot of people were very shocked to see this film and see Robin Williams cast as the lead male, but I loved every sick and twisted humorous joke which was thrown at me. It was my unexpected delight which I enjoyed most definitely.

“Against the Current” Sundance

I both loved and hated this film, but really it wasn’t the film I so much hated, as it was the lead male actor who decides to swim the Hudson River before he commits suicide. It was honestly one of the best films I saw at Sundance, and it was really great with its unexpected ending. Sorry, but I refuse to give that ending away, because it is so painfully obvious.

“Black Dynamite” Sundance

To be totally honest, this was the 3rd movie I had seen in a long string of them at the theatre, and I was tired of watching films. I really did like it, but I think I would have enjoyed the references to blacxploitation films from earlier years had it not been after two of the best films I saw at Sundance. It was a truly funny and ridiculous film, and I liked every second of it.

Monday Jan 19th (MLK Jr Day)

“Adventureland” Sundance

In the beginning there was a boy, with large ambitions and great things expected of him, and then his family moved, and he worked at an amusement park called Adventureland. This film was definitely not my favorite film, though I have come to like Kristen Stewart and her awkwardness in all her roles she brings to the big screen. It was an alright film, though it didn’t break some of the walls down I was hoping it would.

Tuesday Jan 20th

“Mississippi Damned” Slamdance

The more I think about this film, the more mixed I become. There were definitely some confusing holes in the plot which could have been fixed up, and there was definitely some parts I thought were unbelievable, but were based on true stories. I liked this film, but its believability still amuses my mind. It went through the lives of this family and their friends, watching them grow up, and showing all of their hardships as well as successes. However, it was a heartfelt film.

“Adam” Sundance

Wow. I think thats about all I can say. I enjoyed it so much, I want to see it over and over again. I loved their awkward relationship, and the way in which it was left to hang and dry off for the end of the film, where it was never really resolved. Adam, the character, learned about his independence, which I definitely related to in my move from my beloved city of Portland Oregon to St Pete Florida. While I may not have the same condition as Adam had, I definitely connected, which is what I loved about it.

“You Might As Well Live” Slamdance

Probably the stupidest film I have seen since Jackass, and while that is rude to say, it had a great message: you need to be yourself. It just could have gotten that message across without all the immature creations.

Wednesday Jan 21st

“Cold Souls” Sundance

I was talking to one of my friends today about this film, surprisingly. I am still unsure if I liked it or didn’t, but it was probably the most sensical dream on the big screen I have seen in a while. My favorite part about the film is the lead man’s soul extraction, which is the basis of the film, and how he finds that it is simply the size of a chickpea, while it is the most beautiful soul ever. Even the smallest things are great.

“Paper Heart” Sundance

I would have loved this film so much better if I had left before the question about Michael Cera and the documented female’s relationship. I would have been in happy oblivion. The basis for the film, however, was fairly great. A woman has never been able to find love in her life, and she goes on a search hoping for inspiration from other’s love stories to encourage her heart into love.

Thursday Jan 22nd

“Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Undead” Slamdance

I loved how twisted it was. I will however ruin this ending by saying that all the characters become vampires, which is not a typical Hollywood ending (thank God!). I enjoyed it thoroughly, it was creepy in a hilarious way, and I definitely recommend it to anyone interested in vampire flicks with Jake Hoffman. 

“Drool” Slamdance

It was an unexpected delightful desert, that is for sure. I enjoyed it a great deal. A woman and her husband have one of the worst relationships, and when an African American woman moves in next door, and the two women become romantically involved, the wife murders her husband, and the two women take the kids on a road trip to find where to burry their father and his abusive history. I have to say after “Weather Girl,” this film was my favorite film at Slamdance.

“At Any Second” Slamdance

I liked it, I loved it, I hated it, then loved it again, and it was over. It seems all the movies in which I hate for a fraction of time, end up being my favorite films. It was definitely another oddball film which I never expected would be good, but bought a ticket to so that I wouldn’t have another early night with nothing to do. It follows the story of 3 different lives, and watches as they creep slowly over one another, until all their lives are connected in one way or another, and even multiple ways. I wished that more people had come to see this film, as it was definitely good enough to get into Sundance

Friday Jan 23rd

“Big Fan” Sundance

It was a great movie, but it was not my cup of tea. I followed the biggest fan of football history, probably true even, but I didn’t really love the film. I loved the ending best, as the lead male brings out a gun to what we believe is to murder the biggest fan of the opposing team,  and instead the gun is a paintball gun, shooting the red and blue of the opposing team and covering his jersey of green and gold.

“White Lightnin’” Sundance

I am still freaked out by this film, I cannot believe everything I saw. At some points, I was even laughing just to keep from being freaked out. So many people left the theatre, that I found that even funnier. I became as sick and twisted as the main character himself was, however, I do not recommend this film to anyone. It is enough to make a scardy cat like myself in nightmares to this day. While it was made to sound like a light hearted story of a boy following in his father’s steps, while hitting all the bumps possible in the road, it became a twisted murdering spree.

1) I have to say my favorite movie had to be Lulu and Jimi, a love story set in 50’s Germany. A beautiful German girl rebells from her crazy mother and follows her heart to Jimi, a black american who works at the theme park. Together they go on a road trip to escape Lulu’s mother who is trying to abort Lulu’s baby and kill Jimi. The movie was touching, hilarious and filled with a cast of sexy, charismatic actors, it blew me away.

2) Mystery Team: Though not for everyone, the movie comic styling of Derrick Comedy Group made me a fan of this quirky detective movie from the start. It follow three naive boys as they try to solve a mysterious murder. As they see darker and more jaded youth around them they loose heart, but in the end, with many comedic twists and turns, solve the mystery as well as begin to understand themselves.

3) Peter and Vandy: A realistic portrayal of a love story told out of order. Touching and much more true to life than many romantic comedies, it left me hopeful for love in my life.

4) Paper Heart: A mocumentary following a comedian who doesn’t believe in love. Though her interviews with ordinary people are real, her romance with popular boy actor Michael Cera and her relationship with her director are scripted. This movie was hilarious in all its awkward and quirky moments.

5) The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle: Thank God for Sundance Film festival, otherwise a movie like this one would never be viewed. It is the very strange story of night janitors who find cookies in the garbage that cook while in your mouth. The men get addicted to the cookies which cause them to become pregnant with blue fish that they birth anally. Though the concept was certainly out there it was really artfully written, acted and shot, making it a creative gem instead of a self-indulgent waste of time.

6) Adam: The thought provoking love story between a “normal” woman and a man with aspurgers. This touching film artfully educates the audience about the true nature of the disorder, as well as dynamics that are inherent in any relationship. 

7) Big River Man: The epic documentary following elderly endurance swimmer Martin Strel as he swims the length of the Amazon. With hilarious narration by Martin’s son, the movie is interesting as well as entertaining the whole movie.

Drool: The best movie I saw emerge from Slamdance, follows a quiet and beaten down house wife who fantasizes that she doesn’t have an abusive husband and terribly disrespectful children. She is forced to shoot her husband when he walks in on her having lesbian relations with her black neighbor. The rest of the movie follows the new couple and children going on a road trip to burry the shot man in their trunk. With many hilarious moments (such as the improvising and throwing slushies on the dead body because they ran out of ice) Drool was extremely memorable.

9) Adventureland: A mainstream comedy that I’m sure will be a big hit in theaters. It follows a recently graduated boy who is forced to get a summer job as a carny in a low budget theme park. Set in the 80s with a cast of funny characters and a love triangle, this film was entertaining and spirited.

10) 500 Days of Summer: Prefaced by the lines “this is the story of boy meets girl, but it is not a love story..” as advertised it certainly did not amount to a happy ending for the subject couple of the film. Set in the same vignette style as Peter and Vandy it showed the comedic ups and downs of an ill-fated romantic relationship.

11) Carmo, Hit the Road: The passionate Spanish foreign film that follows a promiscuous, rebellious pregnant woman who meets and goes on a road trip with an embittered paraplegic. The sexual tension throughout the film and the later submission to their desires made this movie engaging and exciting. 

12) Dare: The story of three high school seniors who are experimenting with their sexuality. It is an escilating love triangle between a male and female best friend relationship and both of their sexual explorations with the quintessential jock stereotype. Very dramatic in parts, though the end was anti-climactic.

13) Brief Interviews with Hideous Men: Exploring feminism and the woman’s psyche through interviews with males talking about women, the movie gives a very thought provoking argument on how woman are perceived. A little short, with no satisfying conclusion, Brief Interviews was not as memorable as a whole as some of its startlingly beautiful parts. 

14) Moon: Who knew that science fiction could be done on an independent scale? Moon follows an man on the moon who thinks he gets to return home but finds that he is actually to be killed and replaced by his clone who in turn will be promised the return to earth. A little slow in parts, but superb acting by Sam Rockwell who is essentially the only character on the screen the whole movie. 

15) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Undead: A Slamdance film with a very original idea, good acting, but could have done better with a bigger budget. It followed vampires who recruit their victims by putting on the play Hamlet. With many strange plot points, including all the main characters being vampires by the end, the movie was good but amateur a in its style.

16) Don’t Let Me Drown: The story of two new york kids who are effected by troubling family situations in the aftermath of 9/11. There is a romance, though the movie was a little superficial and didn’t leave me with any strong emotions when it was obviously aiming to.  

17) Animation Spotlight: Featuring Sundance animations shorts it showed a large variety of what can be done with animation. There were some shorts that were deadly pointless and boring to me and I promptly fell asleep through them (this was the last day of trip after many midnight to 8:30am movies) and there were some shorts that were extremely funny and well crafted. As a whole there were three out of about eight shorts I enjoyed.

18) Weather Girl: A Slamdance Film that unfortunately had a much more appealing preview then feature. It followed a Weather Woman who was fired from her job for telling of her co-anchor boyfriend for sleeping with the other co-anchor. That part was great, but the rest of the movie was her living with her brother and not wanting engage in a relationship with his unrealistically beautiful and kind best friend. The acting by the leading actress was subpar and general the movie lacked sparkle for me.

19) Unmade Beds: Though I was expecting this movie to a colorful depiction of the London Underground it was a bit messy and disjointed for my liking. It followed two characters separately, one as he searches and finds his long lost father but never reveals his identity to him, and one who has an anonymous relationship with a man. It felt pointless and I wasn’t interested in the characters as people. There was definately a creative touch to the set and costumes which I appreciated.

20) Cold Souls: Follows Paul Giamatti as himself getting his soul extracted because he can no longer stand the weight of it. There is a debacle with him getting an new soul, wanting his old one back and finding that it has been taken to Russia, and put into the body of a rich actress. With the exception of a few funny moments the plot was frivolous and mostly boring. 

21) Slamdance Animation Shorts: Most of these were light hearted and enjoyable, although the shear volume of shorts (twelve in a row, with q and a after each short) made me not remember this screening very favorably. It was particularly interesting to see all the different style of animation there are to work with.

22) Shorts Program Five: A progression of six live action shorts, the subject matter ranging from anal sex to homeschool prom to a little boy’s obsession with rabbits. It kept me interested through a few, but on the whole it felt like I hadn’t taken anything away from the characters or their situations.

23) Louis-Michel: A very strange french film in which a lowly factory worker hires a hit man to whack the man who put her out of business. In extremely twisted plot points such as the woman actually being a man, and the hit man later being revealed as a woman, then the cross gendered duo having a child, and the using a cancer victim to kill someone, this movie was supposed to be funny. It was not.

24) Graphic Sexual Horror: A Slamdance film that I was recommended was a documentary about the bondage and psudo masochism porn site called insex.com. As advertised it was horrifically graphic and sexual in content, showing woman in the most egregious positions and situations and hearing them testify to the pleasure they had experienced while on shoot. It was unsettling and incredibly hard to watch. 

25) White Lightnin‘: Also recommended it was the horrific tale of Jesco White who was pretty much the devil incarnate. He sniffed gasoline and did every sort of terrible to people, maimed, killed, all while tap dancing like his father had taught him. Interspersed with eery clergy speeches and an ending where he cuts off his hand foot and tongue it was easily the hardest to sit through and my least favorite film.

I certainly saw the full spectrum of films and had memorable experiences. I met wonderful people, I gained a greater appreciation of independent film, and I a crossed another state off my list…yeeha!

My experience at Sundance overall was extraordinary, and was something I could never dream of doing in a lifetime. I was able to experience movies firsthand before the public, including both the successes and the flops. The rare combination and diversity of films available for public viewing where what made the festival so special. It was a combination of everything, the people, the food, the location, and the nightlife. As a class we there from January 15^th to the 25^th, but it felt like much shorter than ten days. . While ten days is a long time, in the culture of Park City it feels like two. There simply is too much to experience in park city so sadly something’s are left unturned.

Cool Photo Offline

Entering the festival it is true, I did not know what to expect, I was much of a virgin to the film culture, and joined for the experience. It didn’t satisfy any requirement on my major, or fulfill some expectation. I joined the course, because it was something I have always wanted to do, and something I hope to experience again. As a class we were required to watch 15 films and here is my list in no particular order.

                                                               The Films

Against the Current- The story of a once rich broker, whom had nothing left to gain ad lost it all. It deals with this struggle to regain happiness and facing his insecurities by swimming the Hudson River.

 Why We Laugh- An extremely boring 2 hours documentary about the evolution of African American Comedy in the United States

 Moon- A sci-fi thriller staged in the future, where we found a way to harvest electricity from the moon. This is the story of the man isolated on that planet and all that ensues.

 Taking Chance- The film of Sundance, Kevin Bacon stars as Lt. Michael Strobel whom was a military escort. This depicts, the journey and honors the military in a non-political war drama. Excellently put together and sponsored by HBO Film’s a must see.

 Bronson- Charles Bronson Britain’s most notorious criminal, the film depicts his life starting from a child to his death in prison. A must see for any fanatic, while it has an odd sense of humor, historical in the same sense.

 Brooklyn’s Finest- Richard Gere’s latest film a story about the state of the NYPD, as they battle with corruption, extortion amongst countless other issues

 The Carter- Finally what we have all been waiting for a documentary about Little Wayne.. Merely a camera crew following him around for a couple months nothing worth following… I mean watching.

 The Reckoning- A documentary focusing on the trials and tribulations of the ICC (International Court System) Provides us with insight, that we never thought we would see excellently put together.

 The Killing Room- A less sophisticated version of SAW involves four people coming in for a paid study. Only one will exit, a definite must watch which keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Big River Man- I actually had personal encounters with this man, an amazing individual at that who swam the entire Amazon River DRUNK… actually you need to see the movie to understand what I mean.

 Tyson- A documentary looking into Mike Tyson’s downfall as a boxer and as a person quite scary when you think about it.

 Mystery Team- A comical thriller made from the same director as Super Bad. While not as funny had some redeeming qualities as a group of teenagers attempts to solve a case in unorthodox fashion.

 Lunch Break Exit- The worst movie I saw at Sundance, a slow-motion documentary about the American workforce, and how they spend their time during breaks.

 The Missing Person- An ex cop, whom turned private investigator for unknown reasons,  is asked to trail a man who saves orphans but doesn’t know why. A movie about morals and integrity not for the weak hearted.

 Good Hair- A hilarious documentary starring Chris Rock and the current state of African American hair. Addresses all the stereotypes, and implications that come along with being an African American, focusing on their style of hair.

Here we are, the glorious Sundance Film Festival 09′ in Park City Utah has come to an end! Man, it has been one awesome / exhausting trip. I just want to start by saying I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity to go on such an enriching journey that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Ever since I can remember, which is pretty much back to my terrible twos, I can remember having a deep interest which blossomed into full on love for film. I have always been the person who gets overly emotional during a film and will start tearing up or straight out bawling. Or I will be on the floor laughing uncontrollably, preferrably the latter. Although, I do like a good cry every now and then, it’s therapeutic.

I have been lucky to indulge in this interest and study film at Eckerd, taking some extremely interesting and fun courses where I have actually worked on the making of short films. I hope to pursue a career which can be like a creative outlet for me, like tv and film!

I made various connections both business wise and friend wise! I climbed the never ending staircase to heaven (our beautiful condo, situated perfectly on Empire Avenue, looking over mainstreet.) I walked wide-eyed up the infamous main street, taking in all the people and places. I shmoozed with the rich and famous, (mostly extremely friendly and talented filmmakers I met at slamdance) which was an experience in it of itself. I feel as though I soaked up as much as I could, although I do wish I took the time to watch a few more movies, since the whole point of the trip was watching film! I have taken away a new understanding and appreciation of independent films and I definitely hope to be able to attend the Sundance Film Festival again, and bombard my brain with more films that will leave me questioning and anticipating more.

I also want to note the great experience I had volunteering at Slamdance, Slamdance might be (according to some) a smaller festival formed by the “reject” films from Sundance, but to me it is right up there with Sundance if not cooler! All the people I met / worked with were super friendly and made my time there quite pleasant. I also saw most of the films that Real Ideas Studio worked on with Slamdance in the aspiring filmmakers film competition, all of these films were quite good and inspiring! 

Here is a quick review of all the films I saw and what they were each about:

Arlen Faber: The story is about the author of “Me and God” a “redefining book for an entire generation,” and how his life becomes intertwined with various people in the most interesting of ways. A single mom, and a young man out of rehab who is in a quest for meaning; they both test and challenge Arlen. A sweet and straightforward film, not the most inspiring or exciting I saw at Sundance.

Don’t Let Me Drown: The story of Lalo and Stefanie, two high-school kids living in Brooklyn. Lalo who comes from a mexicnan immigrant family and who is financially unstable. His father cleans debris at the World Trade Center and Stefanie’s sister died in the WTC attacks. An emotionally driven film about loss, and love with a touch of comedy woven in. 

Humpday: A comedy driven story that plays with serious and important issues such as but not limited to, sexuality, sexual orientation and friendship. Ben and Andrew were college buddies, Ben now settled down with a wife and nice house, Andrew is more alternative in his life style and choices, he is a “vagabond artist” The two attend a party with much debauchery and become quite intoxicated, locking themselves into a dare that becomes reality. This dare involves an amateur porn contest.

Sin Nombre: A social-political thriller, set on the border of mexico, a story of two young kids (Sayra and Willy) and their quest for freedom both physically as well as mentally. The story is interlaced with both violence and gangs that add multiple layers to the film.

Adventurland: Summer in 1987, a story of teen summer love, youth angst, a fruitless job,  and the complexities and surprising fun that come with it all. Starring, James Brennan, a recent college grad who’s summer quickly goes from touring Europe to working at a small theme park, “Adventurland.”

The Informers: Sex, drugs and Rock N’ Roll and over indulgent, overly wealthy youth- pretty much describe this film to a T. Set in Los Angeles CA in the early 1980’s, when “Excess and Decadence” rule. A plethora young, gorgeous and extremely beleivable actors paint the screen, who sleep all day and party all night. But the glamor, sex and drugs comes to an end eventually, as does their fun, or does it?

Helen: A story and examination of mental illness as it destructs a woman’s life, we are taken through the heart-wrenching, realistic and inspirational journey that Helen undergoes. We become extremely close with this woman and her battle and cannot help but feel something for her and her situation. A deep, dark and depressing story that involves, death, destruction, love, friendship and courage.

The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle: An extremely unique and imaginative film that will leave you questioning and wanting more. Dory is out of a high-paying job and finds himself the subject of a weird experiement involving chemically enhanced cookies at his new janitorial job. This surreal journey takes you through wild and crazy concepts that boggle the mind. Interlaced with sexuality, drugs, and religion, this is one film you do not want to miss.

The Carter: A documentary about the infamous, Lil’ Wayne also known as “Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.” He is an internationally known rapper, who’s thoughts and very world are presented in this film. His driving creative forces are revealed as well as his serious love of drinking and smoking. This is an uncensored and interesting film. 

Children of Invention: The American Dream, who doesn’t want it? A story of immigrants who try to start a new life in Boston. The struggles of a single mother trying to support her kids, is faced with burdens and various decisions. A story of familial bonds and the choices that determine our lives. 

Heart of Time: Taking place in the Chiapas mountains during the Zapatista revoltion, a young woman named Sonia is coming of age. Her future is pre-determined and the man she will marry is therefore chosen for her. Seemingly stuck in this life she doesn’t nessecarily want, Sonia stumbles across some one who might be able to change all of it for her. When her choices have serious impacts on her and everyone around her, Sonia must try to follow her heart. 

The Glass House: Examining young women living in Iranian Society who are marginalized by their very own families. These women have found a place to go, a place formed by an expatriate. This place is mean’t to give these young women a voice and courage to go out and be who they want to be and do what they want to do. This film specifically follows the stories of 3 young women who have been oppressed and mentally and physically wounded, as they are in search for new beginnings. 

Shorts Program 1: A myriad of interesting and entertaining shorts. 

Abbie Cancelled: Two couples end up sharing a dinner they didn’t plan, a comedic short that is sure to entertain. 

Copper on the Chopping Block: A dark short film taking place in the dead of winter, we encounter a deranged and seemingly hopeless man who ends up killing his sister and mother, after he tries to kiss his sister in a drunken stupor of course.

Little Canyon: A realistic and sweet short story of Greta who travels cross-country with her dad to a not so happy place. 

Little MinxExquisite Corpse: She walked calmly Disappearing into the Darkness: A series of unfortuante and dark events take place and a young man ends up in the hospital. This film takes place in brooklyn NY I believe. 

Love You More

Omelette: Who knew that getting some eggs to eat would be such a dramatic event. Sofia clealry is struggling inside and this extremely short yet poignant film expresses this struggle.

Pal/Secam: A kid named Boris is dealing with sexuality and his hormones are out of control! 

The Watch: Two boys in argentina seem to share more than just a friendship, this film plays with the idea of homoerotiscism. 

Shorts Program IV: 

This was by far my favorite shorts because I found them most entertaining and well done. 

The attack of the robots from nebula-5: a comedic little short that is quite simple but guarentees a good laugh, just make sure you watch out for the invading robots! 

Short Term 12: An inspiration and depressing film that is both real and raw. A story involving children at a sort of rehab place who are in obvious need of mental help. The two main characters in this short are quite talented and bring the screen to life. 

James: Taking place in northern ireland an account of a young boy who is struggling with who he really is, a story of sexuality and understanding. 

Next Floor: By far one of my favorites, a truly unique story of a group of people eating ravenously at a lavish dinner table in middle of a room. But the story goes deeper than it first looks and sounds. 

Our Neck of the Woods: Oh the monotonous life of working in a factory painting fake deers for other people. 

Choices: During an intimate moment shared between two people, rapid thoughts race through a man’s head. 

Sparks: A highly entertaining depiction of a female singer/ songwriter who suppossibly burns down her house. The film explores the alleged arsinist and the complexities and excitment that ensues.

Documentary Shorts: I would have to say, not my favorite.

Me waiting in line for a premiere at Eccles Theater

I love the fact that I can say I’ve been to the Sundance Film Festival! I can honestly say that I had a great time. The people, the places, the films were all amazing.

I think I’ve picked up a new appreciation for what it means to be a filmmaker. I never really thought about what it takes to get an independent film made, but I just spent the last three weeks pondering this and it’s a little overwhelming. If I were a filmmaker, I’d say thank God for Sundance and other such festivals. That includes Slamdance, where I happily volunteered for the alternative festival housed in one hotel near the top of Main Street.

Park City's sense of humor

Park City in and of itself is very charming. I wouldn’t mind coming back when there isn’t a world famous film festival taking over. I also want to say that the weather was so nice. The first week was all sunshine and warm during the day. As the second weekend came, the clouds got in the way, but they also brought new snow!

So here’s a rundown of the films I saw:

Chameleon Street- An oldie from the archives. Based on the true story of Doug Street, who impersonated professionals to support a finer lifestyle than installing burglar alarms.

Shorts Block IV- All were entertaining, and Short Term 12 won an award too.

Shorts Block V- Some were shocking, others were funny, and Netherland Dwarf was just endearing.

500 Days of Summer- A five hundred day long story about love with the great actors Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Watch for it in theaters.

Burma VJ- A documentary of the reporters who risk their lives to smuggle footage out of Burma’s closed borders.

Adventureland- Greg Motolla, director of Superbad, made this nostalgic film of the best kind of summer job experience. Again, watch for it in theaters. I know I’ll see it again.

Why We Laugh- Documentary on black comedy. Disappointingly put me to sleep.

Against The Current- Paul wants to swim down the Hudson River as his last accomplishment before he kills himself. His friends have no choice but to deal with it. One of my favorites.

Paper Heart- A fake documentary on Charlene Yi’s quest to find out what love is. Michael Cera offers her the chance but things crumble under the camera’s scrutiny.

The Yes Men Fix the World- The Yes Men’s second documentary on their eye opening exposure of corporate criminals and demonstrating just how easy it is to fix the world.

Adam- A guy with Aspergers Syndrome finds love with the most patient woman he is lucky enough to meet. If all guys with Aspergers were as attractive as Hugh Dancy, I’d date them too.

Unmade Beds- Axl and Vera only meet once in the whole movie, but it was just the connection they needed to move on in their lives. Really well directed film with a cool soundtrack.

World’s Greatest Dad- Stars Robin Williams but that didn’t get me to like it. His douche bag of a son dies accidentally and he covers it up as a suicide and everyone takes pity on him as he makes his son out to be some misunderstood silent sufferer.

Toe to Toe- Race and privilege collide when two girls meet on their high school lacrosse team.

The Works of Maria Marshall- New Frontier entry that seemed out of place in the theater. Marshall experiments with short films for museum installations.

Slamdance banner

Zombie Girl (Slamdance)- A documentary on a fourteen year old girl who set out to make a full length zombie movie. Talk about independent!

Shorts Block 3 (Slamdance)- A wide range of innovation and honesty. Right on the same level as Sundance

Animation Shorts (Slamdance)- Way more than cartoons. Claymation, computer animation, and anything else imaginable. A free ticket for volunteering well spent.

Sundance Box Office

I just can’t imagine not ever going back to Sundance someday. Hopefully sooner than later. It really is an experience I won’t be soon forgetting.

The famous marquee at the Egyptian Theater on Main

So the day we traveled back to Florida, we flew out of the Salt Lake City airport. While waiting in the terminal at our gate, I happened to be sitting in front of one of the televisions showing the news. I started watching the coverage for one of those award shows where the celebrities come and all the media outlets go crazy. I thought to myself, why doesn’t Sundance get this kind of national coverage?

I thought about this some more and then I felt stupid for thinking Sundance should have been on that screen in the news. If it were, it would completely undermine the point of the point of the festival. Yes, Sundance is well known and gets plenty of recognition in print around the world. I mean, how else would it get such great directors, like Alexis Dos Santos of Unmade Beds, to fill the world cinema categories? But it still, somehow, maintains a quiet existence in a way. The kind of existence that allows filmmakers, actors, and their audiences to casually interact. Where else can you walk down the street in a small mountain town and run into the directors or the stars of the movies you just saw?

This very independent nature of the festival comes not only from the films it offers and celebrates, but also from the relaxed attitude it takes with the community of people it attracts. For ten days in January, you can come to Park City, Utah, watch amazing movies and get so much more out of the experience than the average theater goer. Immediately after each film, there’s a Q and A session with the director and cast. You ride the bus to your next film and you strike up a conversation with the producer of the one you saw yesterday. Get your picture taken with the hero of that moving documentary. Spot your favorite actor on the street and go up to them because they don’t need body guards at Sundance. While I was too shy (or is it starstruck?) to actually do that, I was impressed that it was even possible.

I get it. Sundance doesn’t need to be on the T.V. in everyone’s home, office, restaurant, or airport. Its reputation is beyond flashy news reports that focus on fashion or who showed up with who. Without that, it can continue to offer the best of independence in today’s film industry.