"I am excited to see what peace looks like." – words spoken by a Northern Ugandan child from the award winning documentary WARDANCE.
I couldn't think of a better way to begin this article. This year at Sundance was an extraordinary mirror of the struggles in the world, both past and present. Through documentaries, as well as stories based on true events, the Sundance programming staff chose many films with a conscious eye toward spreading awareness of the world's conflicts, those known as well as those under-reported greatly by the media.
It is in this manner it seemed, at least to this viewer that there was a mindful effort toward being responsible stewards within the scope of this renowned film festival. From Robert Redford's politically charged remarks at the opening film, (CHICAGO 10), to the awards presentation honoring films for their subject matter as well as filmmaker prowess, Sundance can once again take pride in its role of informing the public through film. More people will now have access to these important films, and that's the type of trickle down theory that makes a lot of sense.
This is not to say that there weren't the requisite number of films about a myriad of diverse subjects and personalities outside the political arena. In fact, all in all, there were more films that weren't about politics, war, and social issues, but in an uncanny way, it seemed as if it was the other way around. Among a wide array of films about the human condition, odd couples, video gaming, heroes, villains, waitresses, punk rock icons, gangsters, eagles, sharks, angels, and dogs, as well as the films about world events, Sundance did not disappoint no matter what type of film floated your film loving boat.
A DAY IN THE LIFE. This was my second year at Sundance, second year as a Theater Team Leader and first year at The Prospector Theater. A management type position (next in line to Manager and Assistant Manager), the Theater Team Leader is responsible for making sure all the volunteers are where they're supposed to be, doing what they're supposed to do, to put it simply. Therefore, it is also the job that hands out those assignments, provides training, and oversees the theater team, all for the good of smooth theater operations, resulting in films starting on schedule and maintaining happy-go-lucky patrons. Our 380 seat theater had mostly documentaries, panels and SPECTRUM, which are feature films by up and coming filmmakers. We may not have had as much star power as the big ECCLES Theater where all the premieres were screened to 1300 quite filled seats, but we had great filmmakers in the house as well as the likes of Ira Glass from NPR doing a panel about his show THIS AMERICAN LIFE moving to T.V., and Mandy Moore and Steve Buschemi to name a few.
When you work at Sundance, you work at Sundance. Full time, every day. It is technically considered a volunteer position, but it is also considered staff. Go figure. No matter though, the work is fun, challenging, educational, interesting, exciting, gratifying, and then some. The hours are long, but they shift around somewhat, leaving some time throughout the days and/or evenings to see films, and experience everything else Sundance. Full time staff receives accommodations in lovely (for the most part) condos all over Park City. Yup, Sundance pretty much rents out every condo usually taken up by skiers and snowboarders the rest of the winter. So despite the fact that one can't pay bills with the perks received at Sundance, it's still a pretty sweet deal and it's fascinating to be an integral part of such a celebrated film festival. With the housing, plus a stipend (received after acceptable completion of the assigned job), plus all the other perks, including admittance to all films, (space permitting), and cool film associated venues, (space permitting), the cool and warm Sundance coat/vest combo special, plus ridiculous amounts of swag on Main Street, it's nothing short of a great and worthwhile adventure.
And the adventure begins.......in the sweet little small town of Park City, Utah, that Sundance really has outgrown, but don't tell them that, besides, it adds to the charm. It is filled with filmmakers, volunteers, friends, patrons, Sundance staff, bus drivers, sponsors, actors, producers, publicists, and entourage covering the streets most of the time, except for early morning of course. That is, unless you're the proud owner of what's called the ADRENALINE pass, which for a price that's pretty steep, but not nearly as steep as the other ticket packages, you can see any film before 10 am, and after 10 pm. For those of you that can't believe films start as early as 10 am, you're right, they don't. They actually start at 8:30 am. Yup, they don't call it adrenaline for nothing.
Back to the show....the people we worked with were nothing short of wonderful. From the managers to the rest of the theater team, we had many revolving volunteers who were dedicated, smart, and made the days all the more fun to walk into, even for those 7 am shifts! And once again, friendships were born that will last beyond the 10 'daze' of Sundance. Our team handled questions, answers, load-ins, load-outs, ticket holders, ticket buyers, pass holders, wait list numbers, wait list lines, queues, more queues, projectionists, print runners, production staff, panel set-ups, panel tear-downs, people passing out in the theater (one was hypoglycemic, the other was drunk at 11 am, and wanted his money back after we wouldn't let him back in the theater), Q & A's, green rooms, filmmakers, publicists, producers, writers, entourage, box office, training volunteers, daily mini-meetings, scrambling when we were short on volunteers, putting out fires (not real ones, but you knew that), handing out walkie-talkies, trying to fix broken walkie-talkies, readying the theater for the next screening, roping off entourage seats, and of course, there are always the other five seats that stay roped off for Mr. Redford. Not that he was ever in attendance, but they are always there. Just in case. Keeps the mystery alive. I suggested that we not refer to them as the REDFORD seats while on radio, so rumors wouldn't be spread. It seems that each theater handled this in their own way, but at the Prospector Theater, we referred to them as the RED seats (thanks Myra!).
I suppose one of the biggest highlights on the job was introducing films. Toward the end of the festival, and especially for the awards film screenings, the programmers and filmmakers weren't around as much, so I was asked to introduce some films. Call me silly, but it was a thrill to be able to participate in this manner.
And now, the films. I saw 12 all in all, and though that's a pretty good amount considering my work schedule, I would've loved to have seen another hundred. Hence, after these mini-reviews is a list of those films I wish I'd seen, along with a list of award winners. I thoroughly enjoyed every film I saw, albeit for different reasons, and would recommend them all. So enjoy, and see you at the movies!
ANGEL-A Seemingly, a cliché subject.....man down on his luck, owing money to mobsters all over Paris, decides to jump off a bridge. Gorgeous woman is about to jump off the same bridge. She jumps first, causing him to jump in and save her. That's where the cliché ends. Beautifully shot in black and white (more like blueblack and white) with great juxtapositions of height as the woman is about a foot taller than the man, and oh so exotic looking. French filmmaker Luc Besson takes us on a journey about life, the human condition, believing in ones self, and possibly angels. One of my favorite films of this festival.
BLACK SNAKE MOAN Christina Ricci goes on a real departure for her role in this film by Craig Brewer (Hustle and Flow). Set in a small Tennessee town, she plays a tough young woman who is all about surviving any way she can, from loving her man who is leaving for war, to loving other men who aren't. After suffering being attacked, she is found on the side of the road by Samuel Jackson's character, Lazarus. He takes her in, and provides comfort and protection, albeit in his own unique manner, causing her to become open to what is possible. This film is cloaked in luscious blues music of a by-gone era, as well as Samuel Jackson bringing modern day blues into the subtext of the story with his own voice.
EZRA The despair of the situation in Sierra Leon is depicted in this frightening yet tender story. Ezra is abducted and forced into being a child soldier. The instinct is to survive and the result places Ezra in the middle of a Truth and Reconciliation Council. His sister is one of the victims who desperately wants Ezra to confess what he has done in order to move on. One of the many films this year told through a story rather than a documentary, but based on true events.
GRACE IS GONE (Dramatic Audience Award and Screenwriting Award) If you're accustomed to John Cusak playing one of his signature characters, you may be surprised at this particular role. It is a departure for Cusak, and one that he takes on with subtle, yet great command. He plays Stanley Phillips, and his wife Grace is killed while serving in Iraq. How he chooses to tell his children becomes the core of the story, and the interactions with Stanley and the children become the heart and soul of this poignant film. Bring tissues.
THE GREAT WORLD OF SOUND This is a highly entertaining film with great character roles, but it's about a subject that has remained fairly protected up until now. For every legitimate music producer out there, there is one or more that are pure salesmen, with no musical experience whatsoever, hired by fly-by-night companies to take advantage of unsuspecting hopeful singers and musicians. Granted, let the buyer beware and all that jazz, but it can be easy to be taken in by these scam artists, who operate on the hard edge of legal. It's about time someone exposed these creeps for who they are and THE GREAT WORLD OF SOUND takes them on. Ok, maybe I shouldn't sugarcoat it. As a musician, I've received countless scam letters over the years about "making it big in the music business!" All you have to do is send money. Don't send the money, but see the film.
HOTHOUSE (Special Jury Prize) Israeli filmmaker Shimon Dotan receives unparalleled access in this documentary about Palestinian prisoners in an Israeli high security prison. These men and women share chilling accounts of terrorist activities, suicide bombings, and future plans for more attacks, as they sit around drinking coffee, watching Oprah, discussing their multiple life sentences, and leaving the audience in utter disbelief that this could be happening in plain sight. It is at this point that the audience begins to realize that the prisons are really a breeding ground for terrorism. Some of the prisoners talk about their desire for peace and how to negotiate getting there, while others share startling testimony about their roles in the attacks. Woven in and around these tales are descriptions of the advanced educational degrees of some of the prisoners, and what it's like when their families come for very rare visiting days. It was amazing to bear witness to these men and women tell their stories of terror, when by all other accounts they appear intelligent and quizzically human. The most bizarre part of watching this film for me was the body language and facial expressions. There was no anger on their faces, no defensive posturing, etc. If you didn't know what the subject matter was on the screen, it almost looked like they were just sitting around talking about sports, etc. One can't help but be shocked at the sheer candidness of the prisoners, most especially the women, as they shared their chilling accounts of driving suicide bombers to their target locations, all in the name of "freedom".
LisaBeth is known for the activist pins she creates, worn by Hillary Clinton, Gloria Steinem, Elizabeth Edwards, and Mia Farrow, among others. Clients have included The National Breast Cancer Coalition, N.O.W., Natural Lands Trust, The Black Women's (more...)
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Hi, Lisa. Enjoyed your article about volunteering at Sundance. My sister and I have been talking about doing it for years and are finally taking the steps early enough this year. We wondered if you can give us some "insider's" advice as to the best assignments to request and any that we should stay away from if possible. I would hate for the wrong job to ruin our experience.
Thanks !
Jen
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Jen (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments) on Tuesday, Feb 27, 2007 at 9:32:53 PM
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