A simmering buzz at the latest iteration of the Sundance Film Festival hinted towards a possible relocation of the iconic event. Cincinnati was on the radar as one of the top contenders, much to the dismay of several participants, who privately shared their preference for the festival to remain elsewhere. Despite rumors about the change of scene, this year’s Sundance had a somewhat tranquil demeanor, showcasing an upsurge of new directors, noticeably reducing the regular adorned celebrity presence in its Utah home.
Elevating the star-power quotient of the festival was Jennifer Lopez, who graced the event on Sunday for the premiere of her film, ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman.’ The film’s Director, Bill Condon, stirred up an atmosphere of intense interest during his introductory speech. He tackled the politically charged topic of gender recognition, directly taking on the tenets of President Trump’s recent inauguration speech. According to Condon, the film confronts and challenges these gender norms, a sentiment appreciated by the festival’s audience.
Echoing Condon’s sentiments, Lopez built upon the theme of unity in her post-screening Q&A. She eloquently shared her belief in love’s power to bridge any contrasting divide between individuals. Similarly garnering considerable interest was the film ‘Twinless’, supported with enthusiastic appearances by Dylan O’Brien.
The festival’s launch film, ‘Twinless’, was met with positive audience and critic responses alike, casting it as one of the most discussed films throughout the event. Equally heart-stirring was ‘All That’s Left of You’, a multi-generational narrative centered around a Palestinian clan displaced from their homeland, which received a standing ovation at its premiere.
The initial filming of ‘All That’s Left of You’ was scheduled to occur just before an unnamed incident. This unforeseen circumstance forced the film’s crew to hastily retreat and regroup in Jordan. The movie’s creator revealed how personal this project was for her, with her own childhood strewn between Jordan and the West Bank becoming a vital element in the soul of the film.
She proceeded to share emotionally-charged details from her past with the viewing audience. A particularly poignant memory came in the form of a grueling 12-hour border holdup, during which her family’s personal belongings were thoroughly examined. The spectrum of Sundance, however, extends well beyond the intimate, emotional narratives, embracing comedic pitches, too.
‘Oh, Hi!’, which starred the acting talents of Molly Gordon, packed the theatre with laughter at its screening. Furthermore, the body-horror film ‘Together’ had viewers oscillating between screams and laughter, a testament to its intricate blend of terror and comedy. ‘The Wedding Banquet’, had its audience smitten by the evident solidarity and affection between its cast, as conveyed by actor Joan Chen during the premiere.
Another film making waves was ‘Opus’, a highly anticipated feature that attracted a full house on the night of its premiere. The movie is an exciting addition to the noir-style psychological horror genre, exemplifying the diversity of the ‘A24’ collected works. Besides movie screenings, the festival also held its traditional fundraising gala dedicated to the Sundance Institute, recognizing the contributions of various individuals to the world of cinema.
On a different forum, an esteemed director provided his perspective on the festival’s speculative relocation amidst an exclusive discussion. He offered a checklist for potential townships to be considered, which included the necessity for at least two hotels, a variety of independent businesses to support the influx of guests, and the charm of a used-record store. His fondness for ‘cool vibes’ hinted at the need for locations that could benefit from the cultural stimulus an event like Sundance would provide.
Parties held post-premieres maintained the energy and excitement of the festival. Nevertheless, it appeared that big studio events were notably less than previous years. Other post-premier gatherings were hosted by different organizations, adding to the festival’s richly textured experience.
Despite the challenges that come with arranging Sundance, from weather conditions to logistical complexities, it continues to be an esteemed platform for American independent cinema. Every year, aspirational filmmakers flock to the festival, hoping to create the kind of cinematic impact that would spark a bidding war, replicating the successes of past festival favorites.
Ultimately, amid the swirling rumors of relocation and subsequent discussions, one fact remains a soothing constant for everyone involved: At least they didn’t have to navigate a festival experience in Cincinnati. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief knowing that they could enjoy the unique ambiance of Sundance in familiar surroundings, at least, for this year.