Where The Next Begins.

incredible movies....

by Ilene Marder, January 21, 2009

There are definitely fewer people here this year which actually lends itself to a more natural, relaxed way of moving around and doing business. People seem to be talking with each other much more and interacting in a more communal way... that is when they're not staring into their Blackberries or on their IPhones.

Everyone is on an electronic device.
It would be hard to get through Sundance without one. Plans change hourly, depending on when word gets out about new screenings, good parties, cancelled reservations, long lines, where to meet, etc...
I have a three year old motorola that barely makes phones call, but, kind-hearted souls, no one laughs at me.

But it is about film. And the international indie community. Everyone knows each other, has worked on each other's films, deals, events, and it's like old-home week. The networking is intense and obviously bears fruit.

The 'community feel' here this year is good...perhaps it's because of the inauguration and the common feeling of hope that pervades conversations. (Hey, triumph over adversity ...always a great movie theme...)

There's concern that funding will dry up (especially for docs), that only 'safe bet' movies will be bought, and that prices paid will be nowhere near as high as past year's. But films are being bought, and, at least on the surface, no one is panicking.

TEN TERRIFIC MOVIES:
OK...in six days I've seen 10 movies. Not bad, but a low number for a film festival. There are so many receptions to attend ( and I am here to network...), that I only go to one or two screenings a day.

Since we are leaving tomorrow morning, I probably won't get to any additional films...so here's what i saw.

(I absolutely liked them all, some more than the others, some I really loved, and a couple profoundly affected me. I didn't see anything that I thought was "bad". Every one was special - highly original stories, fascinating, intricate, characters played by great actors (famous and first-timers), beautiful production, cinematography, terrific film scores and a way of presenting the human condition in a completely, new light.

They're not perfect...but neither are we. But I think they illuminate the road we travel and make us laugh, cry, feel and think along the way. I thank the filmmakers for their special gifts...
(not in any particular order... find out more at www.sundance.org)

Against The Current - by Peter Callahan. Set on the majestic Hudson River, starring Joseph Fiennes, Justin Kirk, Mary Tyler Moore and a great cast. Peter grew up on Hastings on Hudson and his love of the river shows. The Hudson is a main character for sure! The film is beautiful, really funny, while dealing with tragedy. Has a bit of a controversail ending. It's a natural for the Woodstock Film Festival. We went to the after party for this film... met Justin Kirk...cool!

Moon - by Duncan Jones, starring Sam Rockwell in a dual role. A rare, sci-fi indie film...sci fi usually too expensive for indie budgets, but this one makes it. Jones (son of David Bowie), has come up with an original story having to do with the goings on at a moon mining station (moon energy having completely solved the earth's energy needs)---but oh, what they have to do to keep it going. Rockwell -whose MOM lives in Saugerties - is fantastic!

Sin Nombre by Cary Joji Fukunaga. A very moving story of Central American immigrants trying to get to the US border. Ok...it's a plot that has been explored...but this one is just great. I loved the characters, and the exploration of the world of the Mara Salvatrucha gang brotherhood, is fascinating. I thought about this film for days.... Co-produced by Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal.

Tibet in Song by Ngawang Choephel, who was imprisoned by the Chinese for documenting Tibetan Folk music. ! Another one I really loved.... a heart touching doc that is as much about how the Chinese use music as propaganda to break a culture, as it is about Ngawang's noble efforts to document and keep true Tibetan music alive. Features interviews with three amazing Tibetan women who were imprisoned, beated and tortured repeatedly for refusing to sing the Chinese National Anthem.

September Issue by R. J. Cutler. Cool doc on what it takes to get out the September issue of Vogue magazine...portrait of Anna Wintour, said to the inspiration for The Devil Wears Prada. Subplot- Editor in chief vs. genius creative diector Grace Coddington. Well done, fun and really interesting...

Earth Days by Robert Stone. The Hudson valley based director documents the history of the American environmental movement, with insightful interviews with the icons of the movement. This is the closing night film and a great honor for Stone, who has screened films at WFF through the years.

Cold Souls by Sophie Barthes. What would if you could trade in your soul for another's? Key question in this quirky tragi-comdey in which sould can be extracted and traded as commodities. Paul Giamatti gives a great performance as always. Also featuring David Strathairn. Surreal, but you never know....

Passing Strange by Spike Lee, actually the filming of Lee's Broadway musical featuring some of the most talented actor/ singers in the biz. Tour de force performances.

and Previously 'reviewed"
Taking Chance by Ross Katz, true story about escorting a fallen Iraq marine home. Kevin Bacon stars.
Mary and Max by Adam Elliot, Opening Night Film... superb claymation with many laughs & emotional punch.