PURPLE STATE: LIVE AT SUNDANCE

Posted by: Craig Detweiler (www.purplestateofmind.com)

Purple State of Mind is live at Sundance! We arrived yesterday with 75 students in tow. Groups from Fuller Seminary, Biola University and Taylor University are fanning out across Park City for the biggest independent film fest in America. We are gathered together as the Windrider Forum. Collectively, we represent one of the largest ticket buying blocks at Sundance. Last night, we had the privilege of watching four stellar student films sponsored by the Angelus Awards.

New Sundance fest director, John Cooper, has trumpeted “The New Rebellion.” While the parties on street feel muted by the economy, the crowds are still packing the theaters. Perhaps Sundance is getting back to some form of the basics–strong stories served up in uncompromising ways. But that doesn’t mean audiences will necessarily embrace such rigor.

Snow is falling amidst an array of Sundance movie premieres. Highly anticipated films like HOWL, a meditation upon poet Allen Ginsburg, have already had their moment of anticipation and disappointment. Stars like James Franco just at the chance to portray such outsider heroes. Yet, a heady mix of poetry and politics is tough to pull off. A premiere like Howl will be full of buzz before the lights go down. But when the movie’s over, the heartbreak for expectant producers’ begins. What if nobody wants my movie? Howl may go begging.

The first big sale of the Sundance festival (north of $3 million) was for BURIED. Ryan Reynolds plays a civilian, serving in Iraq, who is buried in a box and held for ransom. The clock on his life starts ticking. And he only has a cell phone and a lighter. Lionsgate ponied up for the thriller, finding the combination of geopolitics and personal jeopardy irresistible.

We’re off to a full slate of films today. Eager to see what we discover. Check back for updates and surprises at Purple State of Mind.