7th Annual Windrider Forum at Sundance Set
January 24th-30th 2011

We are all looking forward to our 7th annual Windrider Forum during Sundance this year. We will be kicking off this year’s event on Monday evening, January 24^th, with an award winning short film from the Heartland Film Festival. The film will be followed by the 2011 Spirit of Windrider Award presentation to this year’s recipient, Jeff Sparks.

Mr. Sparks, the current President ,CEO and founding board member of Heartland Truly Moving pictures will be on hand for a Q&A session following the award ceremony. Jeff has been a leader in recognizing and honoring filmmakers, whose works explore the human journey, artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life. Since 1991, the annual Heartland Film Festival has recognized filmmakers with the largest prize purse worldwide.

We will once again collaborate with longstanding partner, Angelus Film Festival, for another great closing night event on Friday evening January 25th, at the Mountain Vineyard. “Discovering the independent voices that create stories around universal themes that resonate with all of us, is what Angelus is all about,” said Angelus Director Monika Moreno. Angelus filmmakers are so excited to come to the Windrider Forum each year, to not only share their work, but to have the opportunity to take in the world renowned Sundance Film Festival, said Moreno.

Windrider Forum at Sundance Film Festival 2010

6th Annual Windrider Forum at Sundance Set

We are all looking forward to our 6th annual Windrider Forum during Sundance this year.  We will once again collaborate with longstanding partner,  Angelus Film Festival, for another great kick off event,  Monday evening January 25th, at the Mountain Vineyard.  “Discovering the independent voices that create stories around universal themes that resonate with all of us, is what Angelus is all about,” said Angelus Director Monika Moreno.  Angelus filmmakers are so excited to come to the Windrider Forum each year, to not only share their work, but to have the opportunity to take in the world renowed Sundance Film Festival, said Moreno.

“The Angelus Student Film Festival honors future filmmakers as they explore and create works that respect the diginity of the human person. Angelus winning films reflect values such as REDEMPTION, SPIRITUALITY, DIGNITY, TOLERANCE, EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, HOPE, and TRIUMPH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT.”

Here is the schedule for the opening night event. Screenings are free and open to the public.

“Evening with Angelus” screenings

Monday evening, January 25th
6 p.m Mountain Vineyard

Patrick Peyton Excellence in Filmmaking Award – $10,000

On the Road to Tel-Aviv

Khen Shalem – Florida State University, Jordan Valley College and Tel-Aviv University

When passengers boarding a bus to Tel-Aviv balk at sharing the ride with a Palestinian woman who they believe may be a terrorist, a young woman and her fiancé must make a fateful decision.

Triumph of the Spirit Award sponsored by The Peter Glenville Foundation – $5,000

Kavi

Gregg Helvey – University of Southern California

An Indian boy is forced to work as a modern-day slave in a brick kiln. He must choose to either accept what he’s always been told, or fight for a different life.

Audience Impact Award sponsored by Fujifilm – $2,500

Desert Wedding

Alexandra Fisher – University of California, Los Angeles

Some roads lead to the rest of your life.

Outstanding Documentary Award sponsored by Priddy Brothers – $3,000

Waiting for a Train: The Toshio Hirano Story

Oscar Bucher

The engaging and heartfelt true story of Japanese emigrant, Toshio Hirano, whose life was transformed by the music of country legend Jimmie Rodgers.

Tuesday morning, January 26th

Director’s Choice Award

Joburg

Thabo Wolfaardt – University of California, Los Angeles

A young newspaper vendor struggles to care for his ailing brother. A pregnant woman discovers a terrible secret about her fiancé. At the height of their desperation, these two worlds collide in a life-altering event.

Tuesday, January 26th-Friday January 29th

Sundance Films, Class Sessions and Panel discussions with Sundance filmmakers.

Saturday, January 30th @ 6:00pm

Thank You Host Home Evening and Spirit of Windrider Award Presentation to Producer, Ralph Winter

Ralph Winter Wins 2010 Spirit of Windrider Award

On behalf of the selection committee, I am honored to announce that producer Ralph Winter has won the 2010 Spirit of Windrider award. He will be with us Jan. 30, 2010, at Windrider Forum in Park City, Utah, to receive it.

My personal connection to our honoree goes back a few years. I’d like to share it with you so you can get just a small glimpse of his amazing, generous spirit.  Read more.

Feature Film Presentation-

Medalia Back at Windrider with “The Storm”

Producer/Subject James Lecesne Coming as Special Guest
Film to Screen at Closing Night Event-January 30, 2010

“A big, warm hug of feel-better entertainment…
a community salve.”
- Jeannette Catoulis – New York Times

Hilla Medalia first came to the Windrider Forum at Sundance back in 2005.  Having just won the “Best Documentary Award” at the 2004 Angelus Student Film Festival, Medalia screened her award-winning student film, Daughters of Abraham at the Forum.  It was there that Medalia met Windider co-founders,  John and Ed Priddy, and that meeting has resulted in a three film collaboration between the trio.  Medalia produced the “Academy” short listed, 39 Pounds of Love and then went on to critical acclaim with To Die In Jerusalem.  The latter was the feature film version of Daughters of Abraham and went on to win a “George Foster Peabody” Award and become nominated for three Emmys. Read More.