The Business Side of Sundance
While attending the festival I was surrounded by quite a bit of opinionated people, and some had a little bit of knowledge on what was going on in the business world of the film festival. While attending the festival I befriended a student from Utah State named Collin. While Collin, Emma, and I were eating lunch Collin mentioned that one of the biggest deals in Sundance History took place this year. He said that Palm Springs was bought by Hulu for 17 million dollars and 69 cents. I laughed and said “why does that sound fake?” He said it was because the previous record holder, Searchlight bought Birth of a Nation for 17 million, so I guess Hulu just wanted to be petty, who knows. I looked it up later and I think the final number ended up being 22 million. Good for Palm Springs.
I also noticed a lot of people steered clear of the films that were already known to have a deal lined up. They actually did more than steer clear, they seemed quite repulsed at the idea of even watching anything of the sort. It was funny because I kind of felt the same way. I wanted to watch things that no one else would see unless they were here. I guess we all just want to feel like we’re apart of something exclusive and special. Then again I would have loved to see Palm Springs. I didn’t get to watch anything comical while I was there this time.
There seemed to be a lot of hype for some of the films there this year. Bad Hair, Minari, Run Sweetheart Run, Impetigor, Miss Americana, Zola, and Nine days staring Winston Duke and Zazie Beetz.
There are always the underdogs no matter where you go. I saw some ood shorts, and some good dramas but I think my heart is invested into documentaries. So the underdog award from me goes to Time. No one really talked about it. I felt like I was watching a hidden gem. I almost went to a different film instead of that one but I am so glad I went to see it. It was so beautifully done and Garrett Bradley, the Director of the Film won the award for best directing in the U.S. documetary category. She did a fantastic job! I am so glad I got the chance to connect with her and get a picture! Truly inspiring
