Sundance 2006

Haskell Wexler premiered his documentary film, "Who Needs Sleep?"

Who Needs Sleep?

Renown cinematographer and director Haskell Wexler premiered his documentary film, "Who Needs Sleep?" at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival to packed audiences that had to be firmly 'persuaded' to leave cinema venues after intensive Q + A's with the director, co-director Lisa Leeman, and producer Tamara Maloney.

D.B.‘s “Dirt Nap” Awakes Success in Park City

D. B. Sweeney unveiled his feature film, “Dirt Nap,” to industry executives and filmmakers in Park City this week. A story of 3 buddies roadtrippin’ through mishaps and moments of reckoning toward the big Bowl game,” Dirt Nap” marks D.B.‘s debut as Writer, Director and Producer.
In a packed theatre with standing room only, the January 23rd screening began when D. B. cracked open a beer as part of his opening remarks and culminated in actual explosions of fireworks just outside. 

STAY...a dark comedy (SPOILER)

First things first...this is not Marc Forester's STAY, the one that bombed in reviews and box office. Yet, this STAY is one of the most talked about films at the Sundance Film Festival. This is independent film making at its best: raw, original, and edifying.

Amy, played by Melinda Page Hamilton--who has a recent reoccurring role in ABC's mega hit DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, is a seemingly young girl adored by her parents and golden boy fiance. Her future looks bright until her fiance suggests they tell each other their darkest secrets...things they have never told anyone.When Amy finally relents and reveals her secret, everything falls apart. The secret is revealed right at the beginning of the film and we watch Amy go through a painful uncomfortable process of revealing it. What is the secret?  Amy blew her dog...yes, as in a blow job.

Samuel Goldwyn has reported interest in acquiring it. Rumor has it, the budget is only a mere $50,000.

-Tiffany Peckosh

One Man's Opinion: The Films

I am not an expert.  But is anyone?  Some critics might be close, but many, even some of best, are biased or forced into sugar coating reviews because of the conglomerate that owes the publication they are writing for.  Some filmmakers might be close, but, just like their own films, their ideas of what is good or superb can vary a tremendous amount from what another might think.  This is what makes cinema, especially independent cinema so great.  The opinions of a certain film are all over the map.  Rarely at Sundance are there films that across the board impress everyone.  Therefore, I offer you one man's opinion: mine.  I, a 7-year Sundance film festival veteran have seen my share of Sundance films and feel I have a good feel for what makes a good Sundance film. 

Below are the films I have seen thus far.  Next to them is a simple elementary grade of A+ through F-.  A few detailed reviews from a sample of the below titles will follow in the coming days. 

A new era of Lesbian Cinema: PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS

Writer/Director Maria Maggenti, whom 10 years ago showcased THE INCREDIBLY TRUE ADVENTURE OF 2 GIRLS IN LOVE at Sundance, returns with PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS.  PUCINNI is a conventional, simple, smart romantic comedy but has more wit than most as Maggenti pokes fun at current retro gender stereotypes. 

Sundance Top Pix Picks

Each day through the end of the Sundance Film Festival, Industry Editor Sandy Mandelberger will profile top American and international films that are creating a buzz at the Festival.
AMERICAN HARDCORE
(US, Paul Rachman, Midnight)

"Little Miss" Money Bags

When the lights came up on the Eccles Theater at the conclusion of the premiere screening of 'LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE" on Friday night the crowd gave the film and the filmmakers something I have only seen a handful of times at Sundance in my 7 years of attending: a standing ovation.  "Memento", "Napoleon Dynamite" and "Hustle & Flow" are a few of the films that come to mind that also were bestowed with this honor from the festival-goers.  Those 3 films were bought at Sundance for a large sum and all of them in one way or another paid off.  Only time will tell if the purchase of "Little Miss Sunshine" will follow in the steps of it's predecessors...
Jeremy Platt

First timers to Sundance

First Time Filmmakers coming to Sundance Several dozen of the features were directed by novice filmmakers. Ditto with the shorts. Actually, the shorts first-timers number is quite a bit higher. they include: List of filmmakers