Sunday party Sunday...

It was fun to cap off the day with Lyle Lovett at The Dry Land party Sunday night. The place was jam packed, including America Ferrera, Scott Ritter, Donovan Leitch, Melissa Leo, Josh Radnor and an endless amount of people who packed the room. Lyle played a great set. Talking to America at the party I was moved to see her dedication to the film (The Dry Land) and how much she championed it since it was only an idea germinating in the filmmaker's mind. It was also great to see Melissa Leo letting loose and dancing on the floor. Melissa has been having a great year and has many reasons to celebrate, I was happy to see her do that.

Prior to that there were so many other parties. The HBO party up at the Canyons was, as always, a swanky event situated a gorgeous ski resort with great food, excellent industry participation and good time. Adrian Grenier who is here with his documentary Teenage Paparazzo was there, along with Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) who is on the Documentary jury and many filmmakers and industry.

There was also the Fuji party at another ski resort, filled with a battery of massage therapists (I got a great massage!) and oxygen bar (I tried that as well...) and once again lots of great food and drinks.

Leon Gast's gallery reception, featuring Ron Galella's work, was held earlier in the day. Thelma Adams (US Weekly), David D'Arcy (Screen International), and of course Leon and his subject, Ron Galella and many more mingled about, viewing Galella's work and discussing the film and the various films everyone has seen so far at Sundance. Called The Picasso of Paparazzi in the Entertainment Weekly's review of Smash His Camera earlier on Sunday, Ron, Leon and the team had a reason to celebrate.

Special events with senator Barbara Boxer surrounding the documentary Climate Refugees were held at the same time at another venue on main street, attracting a lot of attention as people clamored to hear what Barbara Boxer had to say regarding global warming and climate related issues. The documentary, executive produced by WFF's advisory board member Stephen Nemeth is screening at Sundance. Very good film that should be seen by many.


In between parties of course there were movies to be seen (well, its really vice versa...). I was happy to see Cyrus on Sunday, the new film by Mark and Jay Duplass, who used to attend WFF ever since their first film The Puffy Chair. It was amazing to witness how much these talented brothers have grown. The film, starring John C. Reily and Marissa Tomei was charming, intimate, unique and compelling.

Then of course was the world premiere of The Dry Land, the film thatfriend and WFFs' advisory board member Sabine Hoffman edited, and friend and Hudson Valley resident Melissa Leo co-stars in. Very strong film, starring and executive produced by America Ferrera, with an amazing performance by lead actor and new comer Ryan O'Nan. The film focuses on the struggles of an American soldier as he tries to reconcile his traumatic experiences in war with his life back home. It was great to see how well received the film was. Wising it lots of luck! Wising all the Sundance films that are associated with us. Here is to all of you!