Cynematik on IndieWIRE

Marshall McLuhan is famous for referring to the planet as a "global village." Nowhere is that more true than at the Sundance Film Festival. The World Dramatic and Documentary films at Sundance are incredible. Some of the most amazing films I've seen have been in those categories. Alec still talks about a film that he really liked at the 2003 festival. Benjamim was his favorite that year and it was never released in the U.S. One of my favorites was Desnuda Con Naranjas, another film that was never released in the U.S. The tragedy is that folks who don't go to film festivals never see these rare and wonderful cinematic gems! The stories are often unlike anything you'll find in the theater chains AND the scenery is so deliciously unusual.

The Global Village is certainly felt by the presence of the world films but it's also enhanced by the confluence of people who merge at Sundance. All of the film industry folks congregate in the city, casually attired in boots and knit hats. You can stumble on some tremendously well-connected and influential people. And, ironically, nearly anyone who deeply loves independent film eventually finds their way to Sundance.

Speaking of stumbling upon things, I was looking for someone to edit my podcasts and I was referred to an MCC student who is in the Digital Music program. I was talking to him about editing and told him I wanted to get everything in place before I left town for Sundance. He asked me if I had seen the multiple award-winning Sundance film Down to the Bone (which I had). Turns out he had a role in it. He was originally cast for the male lead but then the director decided to shift the cast a bit older. We saw that film (because I generally buy the Directing Award Film) and were impressed with Granik's direction and Vera Ferminga's performance. The world is so tiny!

"The new electronic interdependence recreates the world in the image of a global village."

    Marshall McLuhan (1911 - 1980)

    Canadian Author, Educator & Philosopher