Cynematik on IndieWIRE

The 2007 Sundance Film Festival is rapidly approaching. To get myself excited, I reviewed the Podcasts and Videocasts from years past. I thought you might enjoy looking at them, too. On Monday, I'll be posting a podcast on "How to Attend Sundance" ... so this might get you in the mood!

Podcast & vCast Index

(These are the direct links to the audio Podcasts and video VCasts that have appeared on CyndiGreening.Com. Click on the link to hear or view the media file. If you have problems, you may need to right-click or command-click to SAVE AS the file to your computer.)

VideoCasts (vCasts)

• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of COME EARLY MORNING with director Joey Lauren Adams, Ashley Judd, cast and crew
• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS with Dito Montiel, Robert Downey Jr., cast and crew
• Interview at Sundance 2006 with Adam Scarimbolo from GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS
• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of OFF THE BLACK with James Ponsoldt, Nick Nolte, cast and crew
• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS with director Maria Maggenti
• Case Study of PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS at the Digital Center at Sundance 2006
• Q&A at Queer Lounge at Sundance 2006 of PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS
• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of Documentary Award Winner IN THE PIT with director Juan Rulfo, composer and producer
• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of WRISTCUTTERS with director Goran Dukic, Patrick Fugit, cast and crew
• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of SHORTS PROGRAM III
• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of ANIMATION SPOTLIGHT (SHORTS)
• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of SOMEBODIES with cast and crew
• Sony staff share the specs on the new Sony XDCAM at Sundance 2006
• Panel Discussion on Creative Independence at Sundance 2006
• Cyndi and Alec showTV Junkies Signage at Sundance 2006
• Alice Wu Q&A on SAVING FACE at Sundance 2005
• Cast of SAVING FACE Q&A at Sundance 2005
• David Duchovny Q&A on HOUSE OF D
• Jody Eldred on the HVR-Z1 at Sundance
• Small Jody Eldred on the HVR-Z1 at Sundance
• Blackhorse Lowe Inteview on FIFTH WORLD at Sundance
• Naomi Watts Q&A on ELLIE PARKER at Sundance
• Main Scene at Sundance
• NAPOLEON DYNAMITE Q&A at Sundance
• Small NAPOLEON DYNAMITE Q&A at Sundance
• HUSTLE&FLOW Q&A at Sundance
• Small HUSTLE&FLOW Q&A at Sundance

Podcasts

• Mike Curtis of HDforIndies on DV/HDV (Part 1 of 2)
• Mike Curtis of HDforIndies on DV/HDV (Part 2 of 2)
• Emanuel Levy, UCLA film professor, critic and author
• Writer/Director Jim Meyers on HER MINOR THING
• Paul DeNigris on THE FALLS
• Danny Boyle on MILLIONS
• Screenwriting Truby Style
• Mike Luciano on Morgan Spurlock's 30 DAYS
• Alec Hart; Sundance From Teen POV
• Festival Programmer Israel Ehrisman
• Actor Lucas Alifano on Auditioning
• Getting Your Film Programmed
• Attending Sundance
• David Duchovny on HOUSE OF D#3
• David Duchovny on HOUSE OF D#4
• David Duchovny on HOUSE OF D#5

Posted by Cyndi Greening on November 25, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

BY CYNDI GREENING MESA, ARIZONA USA-This year’s Sundance events are particularly significant. It is the 25th year of the festival and to celebrate I am submitting my first feature film and documentary as Executive Producer! As a result I am very aware of deadlines…Edit, Edit Edit!

So, as a matter of consideration and the fact that I remind my readers every year of this information, I am letting the world know that this Friday is the deadline for the 2006 Sundance film festival registration. Yep This Friday!

The following information is located on the Sundance site.

You must register to be eligible to purchase a Festival package and/or pass. Registration for 2006 pass/packages ends October 14. Registrants will be randomly assigned a date and time during the last week of October to purchase their pass and/or package online. Package and/or pass sales are based on availability. Registration does not guarantee availability.

You must register in order to be eligible to purchase individual tickets prior to the Festival. Beginning in early November, visit www.sundance.org and complete a registration form. A computer will randomly assign a date and time for registrants to purchase a total of 20 tickets (4 maximum per screening) online or over the telephone. Individual tickets sales will take place during the second week of January and are available based on availability. Registration does not guarantee availability.
For package, pass, and ticket questions, send an e-mail to or call (435) 776-7878 Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (MST) For general Festival information, call (435) 658-3456.

Now do not get confused with the registration dates. Just register by Friday October 14th. Also, for those true movie enthusiasts, if you want to really enjoy the movie’s, Sundance suggests attending the second week (B) when the “crowd” has thinned out. Unfortunately, I do NOT concur! You have a better chance to view the movies of your choice plus enjoy the Sundance events, parties and the closing ceremonies BUT more of the films open and more of the directors/actors come the first week.

In order to do that you must meet the deadline! Friday , October 14th. Do I need to repeat myself again? I didn’t think so.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on October 10, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The last few days, I've been marveling at how challenging it can be to produce a film. It’s a long and complicated process to be sure.

It all starts so innocently. Jabbes came to me right after the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and asked me to Exec Produce his film. I asked him what that meant. “If you could just get a couple of 3CCD cameras, I can return to Zambia this summer and shoot the first feature film in my country. I’m working from a play by a famous Zambian playwright.”

Thinking it will be awfully hard to do it by himself, I say, “Maybe I could come with you and help out. Maybe Jeanette (the other faculty member) would come, too. And, maybe a couple of students.” I think this is a good solution. Christy Beckman reminds me that Innovative Project Grants are due soon. So I decide to write a grant that allows me to take four students and two faculty members to Zambia to help Jabbes make his film.

Why four students and two faculty members? There is a limit to how much you can ask for, so I decide to figure out what I could get for that top amount. Four and two. Not a large crew but better than just handing him two cameras and sending him alone. I start to get supportive emails from citizens in Zambia. We hear the film projects have been presented to the Vice President of the nation.

So, then, I decide it would be better if we had a bit bigger crew. More hands for better lighting, more hands for better sound management. On top of that, it would make the documentary even better to have more students in Zambia. It would create more points of conflict and more drama.

Then, opportunities for education appear. The University of Lusaka and the Evelyn Hone Technical College would like to partner with Mesa Community College to create an ongoing educational exchange. More money, more flights. More interesting documentary footage, more connection.

So, that’s what I think of producing. Whatever you get in terms of money, actors, educators and equipment, you always find that you need and want more. That’s the producing game. More, more, more, more, more.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on June 12, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

I'm writing to request that you alert Phoenix area residents of a film that will be screening at the Phoenix Film Festival. We saw EVE AND THE FIREHORSE at SUNDANCE 2006. It was really terrific!! It does not have distribution in place so it's important to catch it when it screens here.

It only screens once -- March 28th @ 7:10 pm -- so you only have ONE CHANCE to catch it. It's worth the effort to get there!

Watch the E&TF Trailer and decide for yourself.

The synopsis: Eve, a precocious nine year old with an overactive imagination, was born in the year of the Fire Horse, notorious among Chinese families for producingthe most troublesome children. Caught between her 11-year-old authoritative sister's fantasies of sainthood and cultural confusion and her own sense of right and wrong, Eve faces the challenges of childhood with fanciful humour and wide-eyed wonder. Sometimes the most troublesome children are the ones that touch our hearts most deeply.

(NOTE: I recorded a podcast with director Julia Kwan and producer Erik Paulsson at the SXSW festival that will be posted this weekend. In the interview, Julia shares that the film is based on her own childhood. After her grandmother's death, she was told that her grandmother had been reincarnated as a goldfish (pictured below). Later, in her Catholic grade school, she found out that, as a Buddhist, her grandmother was destined for hell. The film shows how a young girl wrestles with those two conflicting messages about her grandmother's ultimate fate.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on March 16, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

I spoke with Matt Mahurin last week. You may remember me writing about Matt and his Sundance documentary I LIKE KILLING FLIES. The film was about SHOPSIN'S, a wonderful restaurant in Greenwich Village owned and operated by Kenny Shopsin. An outspoken, creative chef, Shopsin makes the documentary a tasty treat. During the conversation, Matt said I LIKE KILLING FLIES will be in theaters this spring! According to IMDB, the film is being distributed by THINKFilm. Be sure to watch for it in your local theaters.

Matt is a terrific artist, illustrator, photographer and filmmaker. He's done some memorable portraits of folks like Tom Waits, Queen Latifah, David Letterman, Courtney Love, and Marilyn Manson. You may recall that Matt has produced music videos for Peter Gabriel, U2, REM, Tracy Chapman, Sting, Bonnie Raitt, Ice-T, Metallica, David Byrne and Joni Mitchell.

Matt was in L.A. editing his new feature film, FEEL. The screenplay for the film was actually written before I LIKE KILLING FLIES was produced. FEEL was backed by VOX3 FILMS (the same folks who funded the Diane Arbus biopic FUR which stars Nicole Kidman and Robert Downey, Jr.). FEEL is the story of a single day in a massage parlor. Four different men visit looking for some kind of emotional or physical connection. Simultaneously, the film explores the complex emotional experiences of the women who work there. Starring Billy Baldwin, Fiona Lee, Tom Bower, Kevin Corrigan and WRISTCUTTERS Clayne Crawford, I've got a good feeling about FEEL.

Matt is married to artist and illustrator Lisa Desimini. Lisa is also a fantastic illustrator! Lisa did the covers for Barbara Kingsolver's books. Kingsolver is one of my favorite authors and I was so pleased to discover that Lisa created the covers of some of my favorite books! Lisa also illustrated numerous children's books including TRICK OR TREAT, SMELL MY FEET and GOOD MOUSEKEEPING.

It must be fabulous in their house! Their whole lives are about art. The conversations at the dinner table must be fantastic. No doubt they've collaborated intellectually on numerous projects. (Lord knows we're always talking about our latest projects around the house.) Anyway, they did a book together. Lisa wrote and Matt illustrated the children's book MY BEAUTIFUL CHILD. In her review of their book, School Librarian, J. Mckee (Pittsburgh, PA) says, "Within its spare text and quiet illustrations lies the powerful message of teaching a child to appreciate the simple things in life through a parent's unselfish love. This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read." As you can tell by the images on the post, they're pretty talented people and their work is all around you.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 18, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

God Grew Tired of Us. In the normal course of events, having a film that you've invested in take home the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance should be cause for celebration. But it is now unclear where the funds CameraPlanet invested went. "To be very clear, we remain confident that Christoper Quinn and Molly Bradford were likely victims, as was their film" said Steven Rosenbaum,... From Docu-Blog/Steve's POV. [blogs.indieWIRE.com: Independent Film]

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 13, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of COME EARLY MORNING with director Joey Lauren Adams, Ashley Judd, cast and crew

  
  

• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS with Dito Montiel, Robert Downey Jr., cast and crew

  
  

• Interview at Sundance 2006 with Adam Scarimbolo from GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS

  
  

• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of OFF THE BLACK with James Ponsoldt, Nick Nolte, cast and crew

  
  

• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS with director Maria Maggenti

  
  

• Case Study of PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS at the Digital Center at Sundance 2006

  
  

• Q&A at Queer Lounge at Sundance 2006 of PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS

  
  

• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of Documentary Award Winner IN THE PIT with director Juan Rulfo, composer and producer

  
  

• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of WRISTCUTTERS with director Goran Dukic, Patrick Fugit, cast and crew

  
  

• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of SHORTS PROGRAM III

  
  

• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of ANIMATION SPOTLIGHT (SHORTS)

  
  

• Q&A at Sundance 2006 of SOMEBODIES with cast and crew

  
  

• Sony staff share the specs on the new Sony XDCAM at Sundance 2006

  
  

• Panel Discussion on Creative Independence at Sundance 2006

  
  

• Cyndi and Alec show TV Junkies Signage at Sundance 2006

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 12, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

What, me dogmatic?. Film News: Von trier wants to 'revitalize' -- Eleven years after Dogme 95, maverick Danish auteur Lars von Trier has issued a "Statement of Revitality" in which he pledges a more "ascetic" approach to filmmaking. [Variety.com] Dogme 95 is a movement in filmmaking developed in 1995 by the Danish directors Lars von Trier, Thomas Vinterberg, Kristian Levring, and S�ren Kragh-Jacobsen. This movement is sometimes known as the Dogme 95 collective. The goal of the collective is to instill a sense of simplicity in filmmaking, free of postproduction modifications and other gimmicks. The emphasis on purity in the formation of the film places a focus on the actual story and the performance of the actors. It is asserted that for someone experiencing the film, there is an increase in engagement as the viewer realizes the lack of overproduction, and becomes more concerned with the narrative and mood. In order to further this "goal", von Trier and Vinterberg developed a set of ten rules to which a Dogme film must conform. (Wikipedia)

Dogma 2001: Godmilow's KILL THE DOCUMENTARY AS WE KNOW IT!

I found Jill Godmilow's manifesto and admonitions to be even more on target for contemporary filmmaking (especially for those too enamored with the Dogme '95 Vow of Chastity):

1. Don't produce "real" time and space: your audience is in a movie theatre, in comfortable chairs.

2. Don't produce the surface of things: have a real subject and a real analysis -- or at least an intelligent proposition -- that is larger than the subject of the film. If you forget to think about this before starting to shoot, find it in the editing room, and then put it in the film, somehow.

3. Don't produce freak shows of the oppressed, the different, the criminal, the primitive. Please don't use your compassion as an excuse for social pornography. Leave the poor freaks alone.

4. Don't produce awe for the rich, the famous, the talented, the highly successful: they are always everywhere and we feel bad enough about ourselves already. The chance to envy, or hate them, in the cinema doesn't help anybody.

5. Don't make films that celebrate "the old ways" and mourn their loss. Haven't you yourself enjoyed change? How are the "old ways" people different from you?

6. Keep an eye on your own middle-class bias, and on your audience's: don't make a film that feeds it. Remember that you are producing human consciousness in people who are very susceptible to suggestion ... and alone in the dark.

7. Don't address an audience of "rational animals": we have not yet evolved beyond the primitive urges of hatred, violence, and exploitation of the poor and the weak.

8. Try not to exploit your social actors: just being seen in your film is not enough compensation for the use of their bodies, voices and experience.

9. Whatever you do, don't make "history". If you can't help yourself, try to remember that you're just telling a story -- and at the very least, find a way to acknowledge your authorship.

10. Watch that music: what's it doing? Who is it conning?

11. Leave your parents out of this.

Godmilow is the director of WAITING FOR THE MOON, a dramatic narrative about Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas that starred Linda Hunt and Bassett. The film took the Dramatic Jury Award at the 1987 Sundance Film Festival. The film will be released on DVD in March.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 10, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

There is a great summary of the SXSW Film Festival Lineup on the ever reliable indieWIRE. Some of the films I'm particularly excited to see include:

• THE KING starring Gael Garcia Bernal and William Hurt
• Garrison Keillor's A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION
• director Mark Rydell's film EVEN MONEY about three unconnected people destroyed by gambling addiction
• and here's a weird one, CRUEL AND UNUSUAL a documentary about the lives of male-to-female transsexual women in men's prisons in the US

The Sundance 2006 films that are screening at SXSW include: KINKY BOOTS, AWESOME: I F*CKIN' SHOT THAT!, LA TRAGEDIA DE MACARIO, TV JUNKIE, AMERICAN HARDCORE, THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED, DON'T COME KNOCKING, FORGIVING THE FRANKLINS, FRIENDS WITH MONEY, NEIL YOUNG: HEART OF GOLD, OLD JOY, SMALL TOWN GAY BAR, THANK YOU FOR SMOKING, and WIDE AWAKE.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 05, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Captured At The 2006 Sundance Film Festival



Videocast on Friday, February 3, 2006

Recorded on Friday, January 27, 2006

Produced by Cyndi Greening

Videography by Alec Hart

Posted from Park City, Utah





In The Pit Q&A following Sundance 2006 Screening

IN THE PIT - LARGE Direct download link

IN THE PIT - SMALL Direct download link

Podcast feed

Cinema Minima Weblog

Personal Weblog

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(From the Sundance Program Guide) The meaning of a freeway seems straightforward enough: it accommodates movement from place to place. But seldom do we notice the elusive energies that permeate such structures. In his breathtaking new documentary, Juan Carlos Rulfo bridges the chasm between the seen and the unseen, creating a moving social document and a monumental cinematic achievement in itself. In Mexico City, a second layer is being built atop the Periférico freeway, which inscribes a massive circle on the metropolis. Despite the project's enormity, the workers who are building the freeway are barely noticed by drivers who roll by endlessly. Rulfo's film places us among these workers and their milieu. Amid the cacophonous sounds of the street (resourcefully remixed into a protonaturalistic musical score), the film chronicles long days of arduous work, risk taking, joking, swearing, and philosophizing -- rendering its subjects palpable and dimensional by virtue of perceptiveness as much as craft. The freeway itself, visible only in hulking partial shapes for most of the film, becomes a formidable psychological fact, absorbing the labor and even the lives of its makers. As "Shorty," "El Grande," and others describe their lives, struggles, and beliefs, Rulfo's eye for detail and instinct for the uncanny effectively make his subjects messengers of the unconscious and spokespeople for all human striving. -- Summary by Shannon Kelley

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 03, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Captured At The 2006 Sundance Film Festival



Videocast on Friday, February 3, 2006

Recorded on Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Produced by Cyndi Greening

Videography by Cyndi Greening

Posted from Park City, Utah







Creative Team behind PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS

PFB Queer Lounge Panel - LARGE Direct download link

PFB Queer Lounge Panel - SMALL Direct download link

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(From the QueerLounge.Org) Writer/Director Maria Maggenti brought her new digital feature, PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS, to Sundance 2006. The film takes chance meetings, modern-day dilemmas and sexual flexibility and creates a sophisticated comedy about one woman who finds herself in two complicated love affairs--with a man and a woman who were once lovers themselves.


Explore how this kind of cinema rarity—a film directed by a woman, featuring strong female leads and inclusive of same-sex relationships between women—is getting financed these days. Produced under the InDigEnt banner, Puccini for Beginners utilized new film technologies and worked within a genre—romantic comedy—that proved broadly successful for its indie predecessor, KISSING JESSICA STEIN. Maria Maggenti and producer Eden Wurmfeld discussed these themes. Moderated by Jennie Livingston, the director of the ground-breaking documentary, PARIS IS BURNING, the shorts WHO'S THE TOP? and current Sundance entry, THROUGH THE ICE, as well as her upcoming personal film, EARTH CAMP ONE.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 03, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Captured At The 2006 Sundance Film Festival



Videocast on Friday, February 3, 2006

Recorded on Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Produced by Lindsey Black

Videography by Michael Montesa

Posted from Park City, Utah







Creative Independence Panel Discussion

Creative Independence Panel - LARGE Direct download link

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(From the Sundance Program Guide) As the industry has matured and more independent filmmakers and creative producers find themselves working with some affiliation to studios, the age-old question, "independent of what?" arises. Are we experiencing another age of independent artists who are working successfully within the studio system? If there are indeed more options to set up a project, where do producers and filmmakers take their creativity, and how do they hang onto it? What are the implications for optioning and developing material as well as gathering creative elements? How do writers and directors go about maintaining creative autonomy? The panel featured guests work within the studio system, those who stay outside it, and those who go back and forth. Effie Brown, Todd Haynes, Ted Hope, Michael London, Alexander Payne, Christine Vachon, and moderator Scott Macaulay for a discussion of creative independence.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 03, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Captured At The 2006 Sundance Film Festival



Videocast on Friday, February 3, 2006

Recorded on Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Produced by Cyndi Greening

Videography by Cyndi Greening

Posted from Park City, Utah







PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS - Case Study following Sundance 2006 Screening

Digital Center Case Study - PFB - LARGE Direct download link

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PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS, written and directed by Maria Maggenti (THE INCREDIBLY TRUE ADVENTURE OF TWO GIRLS IN LOVE), is the kind of independent voyage that has come to define digital filmmaking at its finest. Using unique technology and produced under the InDigEnt banner, PFB is the latest in a string of Sundance success stories in the tradition of TADPOLE, PIECES OF APRIL and YOU AND ME AND EVERYONE WE KNOW. The case study was a dissection of the film, featuring the filmmaker, producers, and key production personnel, as they place their work under the microscope and reflect upon the process from start to finish and beyond. Moderated by independent film producer Effie Brown (REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES).

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 03, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

GUEST BLOGGER: KATIE ROE says, "Being a Sundance "Virgin", I didn't realize how crazy it would be at the festival. There were tons and tons of people. Most of the people were just film-lovers like me but there were also professional cast and crew members everywhere. I was standing in a crowd and Dennis Quaid walked right past me.

I am taking the Digital Filmmaking class at Mesa Community College. I want to direct several short films this semester and I learned a lot at Sundance by watching short films and hearing the Q&A's after the films. The great thing about Sundance is the insight you get from the Q&A's -- the actors and crew talk about the process and length of time it took to make their films. It made me more aware of how difficult it is and how much you have to get a good team of people around you.

Another awesome thing is the conversations you overhear and the people you meet, they're just like everyone else. Being a film student, it really makes me think, "Dang, if these people can make movies so can I." I mean one director I talked to was only 23. Anyone who wants to make films should definitely make trip to Sundance.

There was only one negative thing about Sundance. Being an Arizonan, I didn't realize how cold it would be in Park City. My first suggestion to any Sundance "virgin" is to make sure you have layers and layers and layers of clothes and shoes made out of something other than canvas. Boots are even better.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 02, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

GUEST BLOGGER: LINDSEY BLACK reviewed several more films from Sundance. Here then are her thoughts on the films.

COME EARLY MORNING

Applause to Ashley Judd. Her performance was OUTSTANDING! Not to mention, she is just as beautiful off screen as she is on screen. I really think this movie was great because Judd really inhabited her character. The director Joey Lauren Adams (BIG DADDY) wrote the script thinking that she (Adams) would star in the film. Ultimately, she went with Judd. While I like Joey Lauren Adams as an actress, I think the film would not have been strong had she done the lead role. The cinematography was beautiful and the end of this story tied it up just right.

WRISTCUTTERS: A LOVE STORY

What a contradictory title. I guess they wanted the audience to know that it isn't just a morbid movie on suicide. It did indeed have a cute love story. This film had a lot of humor, and again, the actors were wonderful! The payoff seemed a little Hollywood to me, and the director even admitted it during the Q & A's. But I think if it was Hollywood, he would have ended up with—uh—never mind—I don't want to give the ending away! Sadly to say, during the Q & A's, I was totally distracted by the actress Leslie Bibb (SEE SPOT RUN), who brought a lot of attention to herself by acting giddy, and laughing loud and obnoxious. Although, she is a very beautiful girl, all of the self-aggrandizing behavior seemed very out-of-place at Sundance.

PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS

Okay ... Mike went and got in line for tickets not knowing what in the world this was about. When I heard what it was, I wasn't too sure I really wanted to see it. Mike, Alec, and I hit this show at 11:30 pm. Normally, I have the hardest time staying awake to watch a movie at this hour but to my surprise, the comedy was written so funny that I couldn't help sitting on the edge of my seat for the next punch line. The B-story in this film ran parallel throughout the film and was wonderful. This movie is great and I hope the mainstream audience is ready for this story because I think everyone needs to see it for a good laugh and a wonderful cast!

EVE AND THE FIREHORSE

I must say, the casting in this film was brilliant! I was shocked to see the outstanding performances in the child actors. The main character and narrator, Phoebe Jojo Kut, had a crisp beautiful voice. The cinematography was stunning. There was so much art and eye candy in this film that the director, Julia Kwan, showed what an independent art film is supposed to be. Now, to contradict myself, I can't tell you how great the payoff was because, I—um—uh—fell asleep. Yeah, the late nights and early mornings finally got to me. The first three quarters were wonderful. I hope it gets released, because I would see this film again.

OFF THE BLACK

I have to be honest here, I am not a fan of Nick Nolte, but this story did keep me awake, unlike others in our group. Nick Nolte plays his typical drunk character that he can do so naturally. Trevor Morgan plays the kid whom he befriends. It was neat to see them bond, but I felt the story was weak with a B-story. Towards the end, it was predictable that his dad doesn't spend much time with him. One thing that I can relate to in this story is I have been around many alcoholics and I know what Trevor Morgan's character was feeling when he just begins a good relationship with Nick's character when Nick decides to push him away. Working with homeless, I have learned that this is what alcoholics do because sometimes they just don't know how to love back and don't want to hurt the other person or be hurt themselves. So I must say, they portrayed that well.

Unfortunately, Nick Nolte was not as appealing following the film. I was totally distracted during the Q&As because he kept bringing attention to himself. If he wasn't swinging his cane around, he was cleaning the bottom of his pants. Not to mention, his on screen girlfriend was all over him and kissing him on stage. Gross! I guess SOME actors think they need the limelight at all times.

SOMEBODIES

This movie is definitely for the crowd who likes movies such as FRIDAY. This had a lot of humor in it. It was in the Audience Award Competition and I did indeed give it 5 out of 5. It was Director Hadjii's first film and usually comedy is the hardest to pull off. Now, I am disappointed because I just don't think the director/screenwriter should also be the main character. I don't see how you can direct your own acting unless you are really sure of yourself. Another VERY annoying thing about this movie is the audio track was off a little bit. I have a hard time concentrating when their lips are still moving when the audio is over. Hopefully if it gets picked up, they will fix that before it is released.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 01, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

GINA PUMA says, "LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE is brilliantly written by screenwriter Michael Arndt. It is directed by the husband and wife team of Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris who have directed many music videos and documentaries. You would never know that this is their first attempt at a feature film.

Although I only saw six films, this was my absolute favorite film at Sundance '06 and judging from the laughter and standing ovation around me, I would say I was not the only one. All of the hoopla that this film is receiving is genuine and well deserved. I don't think I can ever remember a movie that made me laugh and cry at the same time -- all the way through. My eyes were actually burning. I got on the shuttle bus after the movie and found others saying the same thing.

The writer and directors keep you engaged with each of the characters for every second. It is the story of one family's amusingly disastrous emotional and physical journey to a place that none of them thought they would end up. Toni Collette is the matriarch of this crazy bunch. Her character, Sheryl, is struggling to keep her overzealous, unsuccessful, self-proclaimed motivational speaker husband, Richard (Greg Kinnear), from destroying her two children -- Dwayne (Paul Dano), a teenager who hasn’t spoken in 9 months, by his own choice, and Olive (Abigail Breslin), a chubby, simple-looking seven year old who believes she can win a beauty pageant. The movie opens with Sheryl picking up her brother, Frank (THE OFFICE's Steve Carell), from the hospital after a failed suicide attempt. He has nowhere else to go so Sheryl takes him into her home and gives her son, Dwayne, the responsibility of making sure Uncle Frank doesn’t try this again. Also living under Sheryl's roof is Grandpa, played by the amazingly talented and completely hysterical Alan Arkin. Grandpa is Richard's father -— Sheryl's father-in-law -- who was recently evicted from his nursing home because he was caught snorting heroin and refused to quit. Sheryl receives a phone call that Olive has the opportunity to compete in the Little Miss Sunshine Pageant in California and she wants nothing more than to give Olive this opportunity she so desperately wants.

This starts the entire family’s expedition in an old VW Bus from New Mexico to California, otherwise known as, Hell and Back. The trip centers on this broken down VW and this broken down family and takes you, the viewer, for the ride of your life. I can’t wait until this one comes out in our theaters so I can see it again!"

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 01, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

GUEST BLOGGER: KATIE ROE says, "Being a Sundance "Virgin", I didn't realize how crazy it would be at the festival. There were tons and tons of people. Most of the people were just film-lovers like me but there were also professional cast and crew members everywhere. I was standing in a crowd and Dennis Quaid walked right past me.

I am taking the Digital Filmmaking class at Mesa Community College. I want to direct several short films this semester and I learned a lot at Sundance by watching short films and hearing the Q&A's after the films. The great thing about Sundance is the insight you get from the Q&A's -- the actors and crew talk about the process and length of time it took to make their films. It made me more aware of how difficult it is and how much you have to get a good team of people around you.

Another awesome thing is the conversations you overhear and the people you meet, they're just like everyone else. Being a film student, it really makes me think, "Dang, if these people can make movies so can I." I mean one director I talked to was only 23. Anyone who wants to make films should definitely make trip to Sundance.

There was only one negative thing about Sundance. Being an Arizonan, I didn't realize how cold it would be in Park City. My first suggestion to any Sundance "virgin" is to make sure you have layers and layers and layers of clothes and shoes made out of something other than canvas. Boots are even better.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 01, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

AMERICAN BLACKOUT. Film Reviews: If all that Ian Inaba's "American Blackout" wants to do is get left Democrats worked up into a lather of righteous anger at crafty Republicans, it does so at the expense of speaking to any other group of Americans. Docu is extremely limited and almost without purpose except as an organizing tool for party foot soldiers. [Variety.com]

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 01, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

NO. 2. Film Reviews: New Zealand playwright Toa Fraser makes a smooth transition to the screen directing "No. 2." This warmly observed drama about a Fijian-Kiwi matriarch gathering her discordant clan around one last fete is formulaic at its core. Still, assured handling and an appealing cast make this a deserving crowd-pleaser that should find friendly theatrical and tube berth in numerous terrains. [Variety.com]

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 01, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

WHAT REMAINS. Film Reviews: Eleven years after "Blood Ties" was nominated for the short docu Oscar, director Steve Cantor delivers the long version. But while "What Remains" might have worked as part of a series on artists, it contains so little objectivity on the celebrated photographer that it will remain consigned to television, and the likely fascination of blinkered Mann fans. [Variety.com]

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 01, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

An Unreasonable Man. Film Reviews: Crusading consumer advocate Ralph Nader's extraordinary career is thoughtfully chronicled in "An Unreasonable Man." A basically admiring if critical portrait, docu by Henriette Mantel and Stephen Skrovan finds more than enough absorbing material to hold interest through nearly three-hour runtime. [Variety.com]

Posted by Cyndi Greening on February 01, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Captured At The 2006 Sundance Film Festival



Videocast on Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Recorded on Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Produced by Cyndi Greening

Videography by Michael Montesa

Posted from Park City, Utah







WRISTCUTTERS Q&A following Sundance 2006 Screening

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Posted by Cyndi Greening on January 31, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Click on the image above to view the trailer for EVE AND THE FIREHORSE. The link on the text will take you to their website. This was one of my favorite films of Sundance 2006 (even though their publicist dissed me and didn't return my phone call requesting more info after a chance meeting on the street with one of the producers ... a very supportive and enthusiastic Shan Tam) ... anyway, back to the film. The film is a wonderful look at the world through the eyes of a child -- the clash of cultures, the melding of religions, and the magical thinking and the belief that one can change anything. Look at the clip to see the powerful cinematography, compelling performances and original vision. You'll want to see this film!

Posted by Cyndi Greening on January 30, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The Documentary Grand Jury Prize AND Dramatic Audience Award was given to GOD GREW TIRED OF US, directed by Christopher Quinn. In the late 1980's, 27,000 Sudanese lost boys marched barefoot over thousands of miles of barren desert, seeking safe haven from the brutal civil war in their homeland. The film chronicles the experiences of three of these boys who seek refuge in the U.S. as they work to adjust to a strange new world.

The Dramatic Grand Jury Prize AND Audience Dramatic Award was presented to QUINCEANERA, written and directed by Wash Westmoreland and Richard Glatzer. Disaffected Latino teenagers come of age in a gentrifying community in the Echo Park district of Los Angeles. Westmoreland and Glatzer have molded their mostly unknown ensemble into a tender portrait of a changing world and in doing so, have illuminated modern realities of family and hope.

The Documentary World Cinema Jury Prize was given to IN THE PIT (Mexico), written and directed by Juan Carlos Rulfo. According to Mexican legend, whenever a bridge is built the devil asks for one soul, in exchange for keeping the bridge standing. This film chronicles the daily lives of the workers building a second deck to Mexico City's Periferico freeway -- their hopes, dreams and struggle for survival. We have the Q&A from the Friday evening screening of IN THE PIT which will be posted within the next couple of days.

The Dramatic World Cinema Jury Prize was presented to 13 TZAMETI (France), written and directed by Géla Babluani. When the protagonist decides to follow instructions intended for someone else, he finds himself at the brink of human decency, a place whose only inhabitants are the underbelly of society.

The Documentary World Cinema Audience Award was presented to DE NADIE (Mexico), directed by Tin Dirdamal. Maria, a Central American immigrant who is forced to leave her family in search of a better life embarks on the dangerous 1300-mile journey through Mexico to the U.S. Without taking a political stance, the film provides a deeper understanding of the United States' border crisis and intolerance in Mexican society.

The Dramatic World Cinema Audience Award was presented to NO. 2 (New Zealand), written and directed by Toa Fraser. Nanna Maria's family has forgotten how to party. She's going to change all that, and make them come alive with the heat and passion of the South Pacific.

The Documentary Directing Award went to James Longley, director of IRAQ IN FRAGMENTS. The Dramatic Directing Award was presented to Dito Montiel for A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS.

The Excellence in Cinematography Award honors exceptional photography in both a dramatic and documentary film in the Independent Film Competition. James Longley for IRAQ IN FRAGMENTS from the Documentary Competition and Tom Richmond for RIGHT AT YOUR DOOR from the Dramatic Competition received the 2006 Cinematography Awards.

New to the Sundance Film Festival this year is an award recognizing excellence in Documentary Film Editing. Films in the Documentary Competition are eligible for this award. The 2006 prize was given to Billy McMillin, Fiona Otway and James Longley, editors of IRAQ IN FRAGMENTS.

The Dramatic Jury presents the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award for outstanding achievement in writing. The 2006 prize was given to Hilary Brougher for STEPHANIE DALEY.

The Documentary Jury bestowed a Special Jury Prize for AMERICAN BLACKOUT, directed by Ian Inaba and TV JUNKIE, directed by Michael Cain and Matt Radecki.

The Dramatic Jury presented Special Jury Prizes for Best Ensemble Performance for A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS, directed by Dito Montiel and starring Robert Downey, Jr., Shia La Boeuf, Rosario Dawson, Chazz Palminteri, Dianne Wiest and Channing Tatum. The Dramatic Jury also awarded Special Jury Prizes for Independent Vision to IN BETWEEN DAYS.

The World Cinema Documentary Jury presented Special Jury Prizes to INTO GREAT SILENCE, written and directed by Philip Groening and DEAR PYONGYANG, written and directed by Yonghi Yang.

The World Cinema Dramatic Jury presented a Special Jury Prize to EVE & THE FIRE HORSE, written and directed by Julia Kwan. I saw this film TWICE! I loved this film and would highly recommend it. The cinematography is great. The story is wonderful. The performances are stunning. RUN to the theater to see it!

The Shorts Jury presented the Jury Prize in Short Filmmaking in a tie to BUGCRUSH, directed by Carter Smith and to THE WRAITH OF COBBLE HILL, directed by Adam Parrish King. The Jury Prize in International Short Filmmaking was given to THE NATURAL ROUTE (Spain), directed by Alex Pastor. The Shorts Jury awarded Honorable Mentions in Short Filmmaking to BEFORE DAWN (Hungary), directed by Bálint Kenyeres; PREACHER WITH AN UNKNOWN GOD, directed by Rob VanAlkemade; and UNDRESSING MY MOTHER (Ireland), directed by Ken Wardrop.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on January 29, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

BY ALEC HART. PARK CITY, UTAH USA (CINEMA MINIMA) -- Last night, we went to the Holiday Village for the screening of the documentary IN THE PIT. Directed by Juan Carlos Rulfo, the film was about the workers building a freeway in Mexico City. The film was "the bomb" because they didn't get all preachy about how hard their lives were or how dangerous it was. It just tried to capture moments in the guys lives. There was a short guy who was always happy, even when it was raining on him. Another guy was always talking crap at the rest of the other workers but then you found out he'd lost everything and went from a wallet full of money to making $5 a day. All of the guys had nicknames. They called one guy "Shrek" because he was a big guy. The way they made the film, you understood what it was like to be a worker in Mexico City and how corrupt things are there.

The composer, Leo Heiblum, was at the Q&A and he said that the entire soundtrack was made from the sounds of the work site and work area. The composer had always wanted to make a soundtrack using only natural sounds. Director Rulfo did not know this when he went to the composer and told him he wanted a soundtrack using natural sound only. For the beats, they used the large and small jackhammers. It was good because you could feel the rhythm of the city and the rhythm of their lives.

Director Rulfo had this to say about making documentary films in his country, "In Mexico it is not easy to get money for documentary films. Everybody tells you if you are doing a film or a movie, and finally they ask you"hey men when are you going to make a film, a real film." At that moment I don't know what to say. I believe documentary film-making is the best thing. And I say that because I didn't start to make a narrative fiction film, but it doesn't matter. I believe this is the way to make movies because I've learned to do it this way. Filmmaking is the combination of all the opportunities you can find to change the world into a cinematic phenomena; it doesn't matter if it is dock or fiction. This genre has given me the chance to experiment, because nothing is planned and scenes aren't set up. A direct, spontaneous relationship is established, which really puts your creativity to the test. Life's characters are much more powerful than any I could ever create myself."

I recorded the Q&A for IN THE PIT following the screening. You can download it and listen to it to hear more about the film. This was one of my favorite films of the festival.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on January 29, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Captured At The 2006 Sundance Film Festival

Videocast on Friday, January 27, 2006

Recorded on Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Produced by Lindsey Black

Videography by Michael Montesa

Posted from Park City, Utah







ADAM SCARIMBOLO Interview

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Lindsey Black interviews actor Adam Scarimbolo about his Sundance 2006 film, A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS, acting, Park City, and the festival.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on January 27, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

GUEST BLOGGER: LINDSEY BLACK reviewed two of the films she saw. She says, "FRIENDS WITH MONEY ... This Movie Will Make Money!! I was lucky to have Friends with Money as my first screening at Sundance. This was a great start to my festival experience. I thought the story was well done and the actors were great for their characters! Jennifer Aniston is as beautiful in person as she is on screen. Her personality is adorable! Not to mention, during the Q & S's, she was sitting next to another adorable favorite of mine, Joan Cusack. Their personalities shine off screen as well as on screen. Nicole Holofcener, the director of the film, was very energetic and intriguing to listen to. The film is even better knowing how much fun she had with the cast and to see her passion for her film. I was excited to hear them announce that the release date of this film is April 17th, 2006. I recommend this romantic comedy!

A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS was my second film to attend at the festival. Since our (Gina and I) last movie got out late, we said forget waiting for the shuttle and took off running to the next venue. We anxiously waited outside the building with about 40 other film goers and to our disappointment, the volunteers that ran that venue came out to tell us they ran out of room. Everyone was in an uproar! About a half hour later, they came with vouchers; we refused them because we didn't want to chance standing in line and not being able to see this movie we really wanted to see. Then they came up with a conclusion to stamp the vouchers that would make it good for the noon showing the next day. It was good for us...bummer for those who had something else on their schedule. Gina had no fear to stay back and ask if we could still get into the Q & A's. They said come on back.

We went to a bar and grill on top of the Racquet Club and to our surprise, Adam Scarimbolo, a supporting role in the film, was drinking tea at a table by himself. Gina came through again and bravely asked him to join us. They hit it off with conversation because they are both from New York. I learned a very important thing while hanging out with them. Never try to say something like, "I have never been to New York but I love the Yankees!" Because, they might open their jacket to show off that they are a New York Mets fan. What an open mouth insert foot moment. He then escorted us back to the Q & A's where we were lucky to get front row!

I loved to listen to Dito Montiel. He was brilliant and so sweet. But I was dying to see the film so I could see what all the rage was about.

Finally when noon came on Saturday, we excitedly waited to watch the film. After talking to Adam Scarimbolo, it was really fun to see him on the "big" screen. About the film...INCREDIBLE! It was just awesome knowing it was based on Dito Montiel's life and his book he wrote with the same title.

The story was very strong and tense. It went back and forth from 1986 to present day, which aligned a very nice B story. The payoff was great, the actors were fabulous in their characters, and without a doubt, this IS my favorite film of the festival. This should to great in the box office...there is no doubt it will make a theatrical release.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on January 27, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Sundance.Org is approaching one million downloads of short films, filmmaker interviews and behind the scenes footage from Sundance 2006. Fifty of the 73 shorts premiering at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival are being posted online this year, about 50 percent more than 2005 numbers.

"At this pace we expect to reach one million free video downloads by the time the Festival closes on Sunday, signaling a fantastic worldwide audience for Sundance's short film program," sundance.org chief producer Joseph Beyer said. The films will be available on the site through June 2006.

The most popular short film downloads include GOPHER BROKE, an animation about a hungry gopher that finds out there's no such thing as a free lunch; DIVORCE LEMONADE, a dark comedy about a young girl that covers for her drunk and estranged father; and FOURTEEN, a silent drama about a 14-year-old bride on her wedding day. My personal favorites are HA-HA-HA AMERICA and FUMI AND THE BAD LUCK FOOT. Also, JASPER MORELLO.

Other new online programs planned for the remainder of the Festival include the January 28th podcast of a panel discussion with Wim Wenders and Sam Shepard about their collaboration on the classic film PARIS, TEXAS.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on January 27, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

GUEST BLOGGER: MICHAEL MONTESA says, "So far, this is the best Sundance ever. This is my second year at Sundance Film Festival and my experience this year is better than my previous one. I really liked all the movies I watched this year and we didn't have to wait to buy the movie tickets in the freezing weather. We got them right away or bought them from the ticket office very early in the morning before the showing. I really enjoyed listening to the Q&A after the movies and I liked the fact that I get to vote for the movies that are in the competition and now can't wait if the movies I have watched will out as a winner.

As the photographer and videographer, I really enjoyed my work at Sundance. Even though I have to haul my equipment in Main Street (what a hike), on the crowded bus and movie theaters, my cameras allow me to get closer to where the action is. I was able to get a close up photos of the filmmakers and celebrities on the stage and in the streets. My only advice to future Sundancer is when you take photos, ask permission first and you will get a better picture. Filmmakers and celebrities actually liked being photographed and they actually liked it when you tell them that the photos are used for publications or a website. Having a professional cameras too helps a lot. They look at you more as a pro and will not think of you as just a fan.

Most of the movies I have watched at Sundance this year are very inspiring. I came home inspired and it made me more excited to make a film of my own. As an aspiring filmmaker, the festival taught me a to become a better team player. Filmmaking is not just a one person project. It takes a team of talented people to create a film that looks polished and that makes money. During panel discussion and post movie Q & A, Film directors, Producers and Editors discuss on how hard they work on the film and how much they had fun working together. It's really good to know that in this business, it's not just about the money, it's also about how they enjoy working with each other and that they really enjoy the art of filmmaking and they enjoy the job they went to school for.

One of my favorite thing about Sundance is that you never know who you sit next to either on the bus, plane, shuttle cars or who you ran into the Main Street and the theater. Some people are very friendly and polite and some filmmakers we ran into are very nice. We got to meet a very nice actor and Lindsey and I scored an interview with him. On my way from the Salt Lake City airport to Park City, I sat next to a first time filmmaker from Chicago. We exchanged emails and phone numbers and got to chat with him about his film. The film festival is about networking. You never know that someday the people you meet in Park City can be your ticket to success.

My Sundance experience will never be fun without the company of Cyndi, Alec, Lindsey, Gina, Jeanette and Katie. Everybody had a blast hiking up the Main Street every night, looking for some shag, I mean Swag, and waiting for the bus at 1AM in freezing weather and not to mention slipping on ice. Lindsey, Alec and I went to an All-Star Jam Session party and the Sundance House at the Kimball Art Center. The party was packed and we really enjoyed the music. Most of the music they played was part of the soundtrack of the film playing at the festival. Alec is a great company when we go out at night and he is such an entertaining person.

I am so grateful for Cyndi for encouraging and inspiring us about filmmaking and most of all for letting us stay at her Condo. I would like to thank her, Cinema Minima and MCC for giving me a chance to get my work publish through the azcentral.com and Arizona Republic. Until next year......."

Posted by Cyndi Greening on January 27, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

GUEST BLOGGER: LINDSEY BLACK says, "What an unbelievable experience! First of all, I have to give all my thanks to Cyndi Greening. Without her knowledge and experience, I would have never made it to Park City, Utah. Just to see and feel her energy there got me so excited that it was easy to get into it. I must also thank Michael Montessa for showing me around town and helping me get to the airport...although, I was NOT ready to go home.

The only regret I have is that I didn't stay the whole 10 days. I loved every movie I saw and I am totally satisfied even though there were still many terrific films to see. Oh...I lied. I do have another regret and a bit of advice. Do NOT buy cheap snow boots! You are going to be doing a lot of walking, so get comfy! My pair did finally "break in" to the point I did survive.

It was so much fun staying in Cyndi's condo with her son Alec, classmates Gina and Mike, another Mesa Community College teacher/friend Jeanette and her daughter Katie. It was neat to hear the different opinions on the films and actors. We were such a diverse group but it all came down to the fact we were there to study the Art of Independent Filmmaking.

I brought home the memories of hanging out with my friends, good films that may never get distribution, the once in a lifetime chance to having lunch with an actor (thanks Gina), the knowledge of what it takes to make a great film, continued inspiration to get involved in film projects...continued because Cyndi is the one who sparked my interest in the love of film first. Most important...I got shagged! Oh...I mean I got some great swag. Mike always called it shag! Then again, I guess I was the one who pronounced the Eccles Theatre wrong...but we won't go there...until next year.

Posted by Cyndi Greening on January 27, 2006 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)