End of a Day

What a difference a day makes. While Thursday was relatively calm and empty, Friday was crowded, full of activities and hustle and bustle everywhere. Although the big buzz is that attendance is low this year due to the economy, walking on Main Street, sparkling with lights and floating with many sounds of music, tonight felt just as busy and wild as in years past. While during the day everyone was attending movies, panels, meetings and other networking opportunities, the evening brought with it endless parties with crowds spilling onto the streets left and right. What a scene.

But I'm regressing. Let me go back to the day. After talking to some press and industry members at headquarters this morning I headed out to Main Street and the NY Lounge to meet with Josh Zeman (Against the Current) and discuss showing the film in the Hudson Valley. As we were talking a panel featuring SAG Indie, an organization I have been hoping to bring on board the festival for years, was going on. I was glad I was able to talk to SAG Indie's rep following what was an excellent panel, as it will be great to bring them to the festival for our 10th Anniversary this fall. While we began discussing that at the Lounge, this is definitely something to follow up on once I get back home.

Later on, waiting on line for the premiere of Humpday, starring one of our favorite actors / directors Mark Duplass, a group of us was discussing the changing conditions of independent film distribution and the ever changing paths indie filmmakers can take these days. I was interested in what Karina Longworth, a respected blogger from Spout and a great writer, had to say, as she was describing the book she was working on, following the journey of a few select indie filmmakers at film festival's throughout the country during the course of one year. Sounds like a great project.

At the Eccles, laughter and discomfort ensued during Humpday, an improvisational comedy sets to challenge the norms, as hilarious situations between two straight young men, old college friends, who decide upon their reunion to have sex with each other in a low budget porno in the name of art, unfold in a series of twists and turns. The film received warm response from audience and some potential buyers, we'll see where it ends up and if it gets snatched here in Sundance, or later on.

As the sun went down and parties began to fill up Main Street, a group of us went to the IFP & Filmmaker Magazine reception, where you could see producers, directors, sales agents, press and buyers discussing, what else, but the situation of indie films today...It was a very nice party, though incredibly crowded. But not as crowded as the Gen Art party that followed. That one became rather crazy soon after we arrived. Stepping out onto the balcony to get some air and get a birds eye view of beautiful Main Street, filled with party tents, christmas lights, limos and people milling about everywhere, we ended up having a fun conversation with folks from LA who do special events for Sundance, the Oscars etc. To our surprise they were very familiar with Woodstock and knew exactly where our WFF's office was. They actually drove by it not too long ago... Small world. We'll see, perhaps they will put together a great event at our upcoming festival this fall.

After talking to more filmmakers, including Hudson Valley resident Robert Stone whose film Earth Days is closing Sundance later on, and who told me that this film is his "Citizen Kane" (!), meaning his masterpiece (can't wait to see it!), it was time to bid Main Street good night. Saturday is bound to be much busier day. Must get some sleep.