THE STIMULATING SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2013
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine Nolan
Excited film buffs have been gathering in Park City, Utah to take part in one of the largest independent film festivals in the United States. The Sundance Film Festival is now underway and began on January 17, 2013 and continues to run through January 27, 2013. The crowds topped upwards of 46,731 attendees in 2012 and 2013 is set to be a record-breaking year as well.
In addition to giving viewers some of the most entertaining films to start the New Year off right, there are a variety of competitive categories that make the event one of the finest in the land. There is a section for American and International Dramatic and Documentary Films, both feature-length and short films and a group of out-of-competition sections including NEXT, New Frontier, Spotlight and Park City at Midnight.
The Sundance Film Festival has ties to the famed Robert Redford who is known for his role as founder and festival inaugural chairman. The actor couldn’t be more proud of the annual event that takes place in his home state. He is key to driving its success year after year. Over the years, it has gone from a low-profile and small budget event to a Hollywood extravaganza drawing big name celebrities and the paparazzi and bright lights. Through all of that, we still need to remember that the main mission of the Festival is to discover and develop independent artists, giving them the chance they deserve in the film industry, and audiences around the globe.
The Sundance Institute lives on throughout the year even after the Festival comes to an exhilarating end. There are so many programs awaiting talented rising screenwriters, directors, documentarians, producers, composers and theatre artists. It is a compelling platform to unmask the heart of creativity.
How can we forget the opener for the Sundance Film Festival in 2012? “Beasts of the Southern Wild” won over crowds and now has been nominated for four Oscar nominations this year. It may be difficult to top that, but as the festival gets into full swing, it has been a close tie and some tough competition that will keep us talking for months.
In the Documentary Category, making the big screen this year was a film about “The Occupy Wall Street Collaborative”, a movement that was sweeping cities across the nation in 2011. Directing this film are Audrey Ewell, Aaron Altes, Lucian Read and Nina Krstic.
In the Doc Premieres, “Pandora’s Promise” explores the atomic bomb in a masterful yet unthinkable light gearing towards perhaps a more positive direction. Robert Stone directed the film.
For your Midnight pleasures, the thriller “We Are What We Are”, takes you into the life of the Parker family. Things are not always as they seem. Director is Jim Mickle.
In the category of New Frontier Films, “The Meteor” makes an impression as three lives are connected and warped by one single event. We get a close look at a man in prison and his wife and mother. It is emotional and poignant. François Dellisle directed the film.
Storytelling has never been so eye-opening than as you watch “Escape From Tomorrow”, a story that many American families can relate to and have been adjusting to over the past few years. Director Randy Moore puts it all into perspective for us. This film was categorized in the NEXT Category.
Dramatic Films stir up emotions and “Don Jon’s Addiction” does just that with an all-star cast of Joseph Gordon-Levitt who also directs the film, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Tony Danza, Glenne Headly and Rob Brown. Don Jon has that fiery finesse that attracts women with no effort but he still feels empty. See how he copes. This is one to keep your eye on.
One of the favorite categories of many movie fans is the Shorts Competition. “The Apocalypse” is set on a Saturday afternoon among friends directed by Andrew Zuchero.
The film “Mud” is one of the most talked about movies of the year so far and rounds out the Spotlight Category. It comes to us direct from The Cannes Film Festival starring Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon. The film focuses on two best friends and what they encounter on their explorations. Jeff Nichols directs the film.
“The Lifeguard” gives us something to think about in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, a narrative feature film. Liz W. Garcia is the director behind the thought-provoking film.
More intense was the World Cinema Documentary Competition. “Fallen City” takes us into the destruction of China after the 2008 earthquake and gives us a glimpse at the rebuilding efforts. Director is Zhao Qi.
Searching for faith and the very meaning of life, “There Will Come a Day”, is an enlightening film in the World Dramatic Category. It is directed by Giorgio Diritti.
In addition to these wonderful films, there are also stimulating panel discussions of the art, culture and commerce of cinema with lively debate and lots of in-depth conversation.
Activities are abundant during this 11 day celebration of art and culture and so are the celebrities that attend.
The Sundance Film Festival is not winding down just yet so be sure and check out the website for all the latest information and events that will take place over the next 5 days. Become one of their Facebook followers as well.
PHOTO CREDITS: Sundance Film Festival website, A/P, Getty Images
