Daily Loaf

Jerad Ford: Talking about Movies

Jerad Ford

For me, Sundance has been a once in a lifetime experience. Being in Park City surrounded by thousands of people who are all here to watch films and to support independent cinema is very exciting, because everyone is here for the same cause, to support art. Everyone is willing to talk about movies and trade stories about their experiences here. it’s easy to find out which films are good and and bad just by catching the bus and striking up a conversation or even just listening to other people talk about films. I certainly didn’t expect to make friends with two middle aged men, Jim and Rene, who told me they had been coming to the festival for the past twelve years. But that’s just the kind of thing that happens, you’ll be standing in a line for something and soon you’re discussing all of the films you’ve seen and haven’t seen. I ended up talking to both Jim and Rene a handful of times during the festival, as I always seemed to find them at my screenings. Both of them wished me good luck in making films, and they promised they would keep an eye out for a film by me at Sundance after five years or so.

Rajeev: Get out of the Condo!

Rajeev Rupani

The festival in itself was a great event for me to meet individuals who were really enthusiastic and emphatic about independent cinema. While having conversations with these people, in theater ticket lines, I learnt about some famous independent filmmakers and some movies that are a must-see. Meeting some of the staff members and volunteers, at the festival, gave me a chance to get information on how the festival worked and the manner in which it was set-up. I felt that talking to and interacting with as many people possible provided me with insight and good educational information on the world of independent cinema. The only downside of the festival was that the transit system took a while getting used to because the shuttles would not follow the simple pattern provided in the guidebook. As an official Sundancer – at this point – my advice would be to enjoy the festival as much as possible and interact with people as much as you can. If you are sitting at the condo and have a bunch of free time, just go down to Main Street, or take a chance on a film that you can waitlist for. Some of the best movies that I have seen here so far were either on impulse or because a friend convinced me to go along with them. Don’t spend your time sitting in the condo or watching television, you can do that in Florida, be outgoing and make some new friends in the group that you are with: I did and had the best time of my life. The festival is the opportune time to learn and experience the most that you can about this very unique branch of cinema, and this can be an experience that will last a lifetime.”

Jason: Sundance don’t fit on a DVD shelf!

Jason Voss

Well I seem to have reached the end of Sundance 09. Even as someone who has a voracious appetite for films, I must admit, this feels like a good place to stop. After watching so many it will be good to give my brain time to process some of the artistic works which have been flashing before my eyes these past ten days.

But Sundance can never be boxed up and put out into a DVD collection because it is much more than just the movies that happen to be showing there. Everywhere I turned it seemed people who simply loved movies surrounded me. Some of these people get bored with cookie cutter Hollywood films, others just want to see something unique. Some were part of the industry, others desperately fought just to get their film made and shown here in Park City. It makes for a group of people who are fun to converse with while waiting in the freezing cold while you’re doled out a waitlist number for that flick you just have to see.

Anastassia: Way too cold, but still pretty cool

Anastassia Smorodinskaya

“I enjoyed the experience of Sundance. It’s not the coolest thing I’ve ever done with myself, but it wasn’t a total waste of time either. I succeeded at making some great connections with people who might be able to help me out to one extent or another after I graduate, which honestly was the objective for me. My second priority was seeing a good deal of documentaries, because unlike the features, who knows where else I’d ever learn all that I did through my week of exploring this versatile genre. My biggest regret here at Sundance would probably be that I didn’t weave more “New Frontier” films into my docu-marathon.  After all Sundance is about the new frontiers and experimental, never-before-seen, filmmaking.  The few films in this series which I did see, I really appreciated and know that I would never watch outside of a festival setting, so…maybe next time. Hopefully there will be a next time that I find myself watching quirky festival movies, and not necessarily at Sundance either– of course this is an immensely important gathering for both US and international film makers, but at the risk of whining, the weather here in Park City isn’t my thing. Hey, maybe I should try Cannes!”

Sam: Meeting People, Having Fun

Sam Mitchell

“Sundance… when faced with the task of blogging a summary of this trip, I find myself drawing a blank. Not because of lack of memorable moments, but because there were so many amazing moments. From walking down main street and shmoozing to watching films and sitting in on Q and A’s I’ve learned about film and the philosophies each director presents to us. Also I grew tight with many of my fellow bloggers on this trip gaining connections we never had developed before, especially through Tom’s tickling. Altogether I think this experience has been priceless and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Efren Ramirez aka "Pedro"

I met incredibly awesome and interesting people who either shared words of wisdom or just simply encouraged me on my life journies in environmental studies. Some stand out experiences were seeing Steven Soderbergh and Gregg Araki in their discussion pannel. Another gratifying experience was meeting 3 of the members of Broken Lizard – some of the largest comedic influences on my life – I never thought I would have Farva’s arm around my shoulder!  Also it was rewarding meeting Pedro from Napolean Dynamite, though I was disappointed he didn’t have his signature meek accent.”

Ben Hamburger: My Sundance Inauguration

Ben Hamburger

Silence. The screen is blank and credits slowly start to roll. The tennis-courts-turned-movie-theater starts to illuminate before the lights come on. The glow of black berries and iPhones begin to fill the room as the credits roll and the film’s impact is fresh and intense in my mind. I hope everyone is typing what I am thinking: ‘That was one hell of a movie!’

Like most adventures, the reality of Sundance was not what I could have ever imagined. I was here during the inauguration of Barak Obama in my hometown in D.C., and although I was beyond pumped and honored to be involved with arguably the best film festival in the world, I was a little bit reluctant to leave my home town during such a historic and wild event. I was sure that I was going to see some amazing movies and probably get in a little skiing but I would miss all the parties, the important people, the diverse crowd all assembled to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and being able to witness an optimistic future unfold back home. Much to my pleasant surprise, Sundance, as an event, reflected a great deal of the same dynamic that made this inauguration what it was.

I dove into the event with everything I had. I saw as many films that I could fit into my schedule, attended as many events that I could get into, talked to a range of people all day, and went to any parties where the bouncers mistook my student credentials for something more important. I had movies regularly starting at 9am then parties at night that I forced myself to leave by three. My Sundance experience was driven by coffee and free Monster energy drinks given out a Slamdance. Sleep deprived and loopy from staring at screens for up to six hours with brief, rushed intermissions navigating to the next theater, I excitedly buzzed around the festival to gain as much out of it as possible. Mission accomplished. I partied with 36 mafia, talked to a range of other celebs and movie people, saw a bunch of live music, eighteen diverse and innovative movies, got in some quality hot tub time, made some great new friends, blogged my ass off, and even had a day on the slopes; all while only falling asleep in one film.

After another insightful Q&A session I stroll out of the theater, fully impressed by film I have just seen. I feel a sense of pride that I was a part of this annual event that makes history every year. It is the first movie festival of the year, introducing a new year of amazing films and embracing the ever-moving future of film. I missed being a minority as a local in my own town, but instead, I was a part of the tourist mass that took over Park City, Utah. I squeeze my way on the crowded shuttle leaving the Racquet Club going back to main street and strike up friendly conversations with ski bums and the bus driver as well as other movie goers. I have seen some of the best movies of my life here and met the people who made them. It is so fun to talk about those films and experiences, but I still feel the need to show that I care about more than my mission; I care about what Park City is before, during, and after Sundance. I appreciate the little mountain town that it is with a friendly tightly nit community that hosts this amazing event every year. When talking to people who went to the inauguration, they always use the word “inspiring.” After talking to the people that I did, from famous directors to film students making documentaries, the same adjective comes to mind. Like the little Sundance ad that begins every film, I cannot help but wonder: “What’s… next.”

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