Sundance Day 5: A Few Candidates Emerge
Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2009
After four days of films, meeting, and talking with fellow attendees, it’s pretty clear by the time I leave next Friday (the 23rd) NLFF will be much better known in the film world’s radar. It has been a delight speaking with old acquaintances and meeting many new folks and telling them about not only the Festival but also the distinct qualities of Newcastle and the rest of the North East. I will not want for guests to bring in, that’s for sure.
And then there are the films. Not every one is a gem (no, not even at Sundance) but so far my favorites are Oscar winning animator Adam Elliott’s debut feature Mary and Max, Lee Daniels’ tough African American drama Push: Based on the Novel by Sapphire, featuring a great performance by comedienne Monique; John Maringouin’s inspiring documentary Big River Man, and the tense American indie The Vicious Kind.
Four more days of films coming up, and a few parties, too, the latter function not only to provide a change of scenery from the cinemas but also a terrific way to meet more people and spread the gospel of NLFF.
Is it snowing here? No, and while I always look forward to a good snowfall for at least one or two days during Sundance, I can’t complain about the weather: clear, bright blue skies and a sun that beats down on you in a high altitude location…it may only be 3 out there but it feels very warm. And it’s dry, too: the mantra in these parts is drink lots of water, and keep that lip balm handy.
But back to the movies. Time to look for more films to bring to the Tyneside next November.
Brian Gordon, NLFF Director
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