SARAH LU AT SUNDANCE

Published: Mon, 01.26.2009

One thing I knew that I had to do before I graduated—go to Sundance. Though seeing films that break the norm of Hollywood structure and story and glancing at celebs sounded like good enough reasons for coming to the festival, I was on a search for something more substantial.

Even though I am a junior, I still have not found what I’m looking for – where my niche is, and even why I came to Sundance. I’m lost in the world of movies, yearning to find what it is that God wants me to know and do for my career. Though it took a lot to get here, it has been completely worth it. Spending time with close and extraordinary peers, whom I have grown closer to, has been wonderful

Have I found what I’m looking for? In some ways I have. I prayed for God to teach me or show me what I’ve been looking for, not just internship opportunities or contacts, though I definitely prayed for these things. I’ve realized even more how I love to analyze films. My peers have reassured me again how I am a producer at heart, even though I still haven’t had experience with that but hope to gain it. I know he had something more for me to discover.

One night, we had dinner and discussion with John and Ed Priddy, two brothers, entrepreneurs, and filmmakers who helped establish the Windrider Forum. During this meeting, I learned something so important, and hearing it from them made the difference: Be patient. They said to focus on getting the college degree and getting a day job, and to focus on making films along with that. It is more important to have a roof over your head and still get your film recognition than to have everything riding on your film. Be patient.

There are many things I have learned here in Utah. Don’t be afraid to sit next to people you do not know when you’re here. They’re passionate about film like you may be, and you never know who you may be sitting next to; whether they’re producers, writers, or just someone with a strong passion.

Really dig into those films you watch wherever you are. There have been several Sundance films that have made me think deeply about them. One called “Cold Souls” provoked so many questions that it also pushed me to talk to the director afterward. Discussing the films we’ve seen has been incredible and I could do it everyday. Analysis is more than talking about movie, it transcends past that idea. My analytical thinking has grown. Applying what we have discussed to my own life is the best than I can do form myself.

I recommend this trip to anyone searching for unique and beautiful films, to have good, deep discussions, and stretch your perspective and comfort level. My mom told me that she knows this trip is important for me, and its also true when she said I’ll never forget this experience. 

-Sarah Lu

MATT MORGAN – TRANSMISSIONS FROM SUNDANCE

Published: Thu, 01.22.2009

It’s not everyday a film is experienced in the company of those who created it. At the Sundance Film Festival, this is the norm. From our first screening of Spike Lee’s Passing Strange on Sunday to our most recent viewing of Steven Soderbergh’s The Girlfriend Experience, our group of twelve have heard from a variety of talented filmmakers and cast members.

Perhaps our greatest surprise thus far was Kevin Bacon’s appearance at the world premiere of Ross Katz’s Taking Chance. The film depicted the real-life death of Marine Chance Phelps, and Mike Strobl, the Marine who volunteered to return Phelps’ body to his family. After the screening, the real Mike Strobl appeared alongside Bacon who played Strobl in the film. It’s not often the powerful real life character is met with the talent who portrayed this character on screen. Moments like these make Sundance the special experience it truly is.

Later in the day, a smaller group of us walked past a large window where Billy-Bob Thornton, Tea Leoni, and Ed Helms (commonly known as Andy Bernard from The Office) were being photographed for the promotion of their Sundance film, Manure. Andrew Neel couldn’t help but shouting, “Ed, you’re a great actor!” He graciously accepted the comment with a genuine smile. A few minutes later, Chris Rock casually entered a building in front of us. It certainly is hard to become accustomed to the amount of star power present at Sundance.

Once I look past the level of fame many of these individuals possess, I realize they are attending Sundance for the same reason we are. They have a love for independent filmmaking and they are determined to promote their successful endeavors. This is what Sundance is all about. A community sharing their passion for film. We are truly blessed to be present at Sundance, the most celebrated American independent film festival.

BRANDON’S ENTRY – TRANSMISSIONS FROM SUNDANCE

Published: Thu, 01.22.2009

For years now people have told me how important film is for our generation.  It is the dominant form of communication.  However, up until recently I didn’t give much credence to these claims.  After living in Los Angeles and getting a glimpse at what the film industry looks like from the inside it was easy to become cynical about movie making.  Hollywood has taken something that I thought was entertainment, and turned it into a very serious enterprise.  Especially given the current economic state, films are only made when they are guaranteed to make money.  So they settle for sequels and plot-driven summer blockbusters instead of some of the really important stories floating around begging to be told.

That is one reason I have felt Sundance to be a breath of fresh air.  From it’s early days Sundance has welcomed independent filmmakers who desire to work outside of the normal Hollywood studio system.  In my time at the festival, I have seen some really great examples of good stories told in creative ways.  Sundance has shown me that film can actually be a valuable medium for telling life changing stories.  Films like ‘Amreeka’, ‘Taking Chance’, and ‘Sin Nombre’ are all examples of films which I thought did a great job of bringing the audience into a whole new worldview.

In ‘Amreeka’ a Palestinian single mother and her son are given the opportunity to immigrate to America.  They move to Illinois with some family and experience the ignorance-based prejudice inherent in many American people.  The film challenged me to identify the ways in which we are all indoctrinated in one way or another.  It is possible that Jesus’ lordship should cause us to rethink what we have been taught. 

‘Taking Chance’ tells the story of Lt. Col. Mike Strobl as he escorts Chance Phelps, a fallen Marine, back home for his funeral.  The film avoided political commentary in an industry which is decidedly anti-war.  In this way, it allowed audiences to see the real individuals who are affected by these politics. 

Finally, ‘Sin Nombre’ shows in brutal honesty the hardships that Latino people go through on the road to immigration.

Sundance has been a wonderful experience for me and the rest of the group, as it has given me a new, or a least wider, perspective on the power of film.

JOSH KENNEDY – SUNDANCE BLOG ENTRY

Published: Tue, 01.20.2009

Had you asked me 10 years ago what Sundance was, I probably would have told you it was some sort of Native American tribal dance. Thankfully, I was educated correctly before I had the chance to make a fool out of myself on Jeopardy. And what an education it’s been! The past week has been nothing but preparation for, as Aladdin and Jasmine so eloquently put it, a whole new world.

It’s safe to say that I feel like a fish out of water at times here in Park City. I don’t really ski – slippery surfaces and balance don’t coincide well with me – and my experience as a film critic has been slightly limited, save for discussing movies with my friends. But the truth remains that I’m here for a reason. Whether I work up the courage to talk to any filmmakers or ask a question in front of hundreds of people, I am learning about my faith and about film.

Monday began with Professors John and Kathy Bruner letting us sleep in (thankfully). We had a delicious breakfast – praise Jesus for pigs and chickens – and around 10 a.m. we were on our way to our first film in Park City, Utah. We arrived at the Racquet Club Theater for an 11:15 showing of the film “Don’t Let Me Drown.” The movie was a dramatic portrayal of two  Brooklyn teens who find each other in the midst of the 9/11 turmoil. While the film dealt with some heavy content, such as poverty and abuse, the overwhelming theme behind it was how love can prevail amidst a world crashing down.

While my head was still swimming with the content of “Don’t Let Me Drown,” we immediately got back in line at the Racquet Club for a showing of “Amreeka.” This powerful film told the tale of a single Palestinian mother who takes a chance at a life in the United States to allow her young son to pursue a college degree. Mostly subtitled and comedic at times, the film portrayed how prejudices – both American and Palestinian and largely based on rumor – can affect people’s lives and actions, and how a family’s love can overcome any obstacles.

As my mind turned to mush with thoughts and emotions, we then journeyed to our first night at the Windrider Forum, a group of student filmmakers and seminarians who gather to discuss the theological impact of the art of film. We had a delicious spaghetti dinner, courtesy of the amazing members of Mountain Vineyard Christian Fellowship, the host church for the forum. Following the meal, we watched three award-winning short films from the Angelus Student Film Festival. After a brief Q&A with the filmmakers, we headed back to the condo.

It’s safe to say that I’m tired, but I’m not complaining. The first full day of Sundance has been a huge learning experience. I can tell that the rest of this week will be challenging and engaging, and I can’t wait. I’m anxious to see where God leads, and I know that with the support of my friends on this trip, both young and old, I’ll become more confident in my faith and my future.

-Josh Kennedy (Junior Media Communication / Production major)

SLEEP-DEPRIVED START TO SUNDANCE

Published: Mon, 01.19.2009

When I heard I had to be at Taylor by 4 a.m. Sunday to start our trip to the Sundance Film Festival, I knew I wasn’t going to get any sleep at all. I deluded my friends and tried to convince myself that I’d go to bed by at least 1 a.m. and get a couple hours in before our trip to the Indianapolis airport and our subsequent travel to Salt Lake City, Utah. In reality, though, I finished packing at 3:52 a.m. and rushed to our meeting place on campus without having slept a wink in the previous day.

It was in that sleep-deprived state that I began my trip to the festival along with nine classmates and two professors. As the header for the blog says, the festival is a pretty big deal – both in the independent film industry and the entertainment world as a whole. I was understandably less than thrilled, then, to be start my involvement at the important event in a disoriented state. I was worried I would run into somebody famous and influential at the festival and embarrass myself by stumbling over my words, thereby blowing my chance to ever break into a career in Hollywood. I realize that might sound a bit extreme, but, again, at the time, my intellect was so frazzled that it seemed reasonable to me that I would bump into George Clooney and accidentally make fun of E.R.

Fortunately, the festival kicked off with a movie that was gripping enough to keep me awake. Our group watched a documentary about a Broadway performance called “Passing Strange.” The film was directed by Spike Lee, and it was one of the most powerful artistic statements I’ve ever seen. We got to talk to the filmmakers and cast after the screening, and I was able to successfully ask a sensible question, which surprised me.

It still has not fully sunk in yet that I am, in fact, at the Sundance Film Festival. I’m still surprised to think that I’m surrounded by more than 40,000 filmmakers, directors, producers, actors and cinematographers, not mention fellow students and fans. Tomorrow our group will see two movies in Park City (the main hub of the festival), and that should serve to wake me from my dream–assuming I get some sleep.

Check back in every day to see the latest Transmission from Sundance. 
-Andrew Neel