Sundance

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At the moment in Utah, the Sundance festival is taking place – an annual film festival that takes place in Park City, Utah, celebrating cinema from around the world. It is a showcase for new work from American and International independent filmmakers. There are awards for some sections (American drama, International drama, documentaries, feature films and short films).

It began in 1978 and originally featured only American-made films, with a focus on independent films, and regional films.

I spent the afternoon listening to the live stream of a panel called 'Post-Truth and Consequences part 2'. A group of journalists discussing questioning society and challenging political orthodxies, discussing what 'post-truth' is, fake news, hate speech, trolling, and open hostility to free press and free speech. I will also be listening to 'Cinema Cafe' live stream which is coming on later this afternoon (damn you, time zones!).

I also had a look at films that are up for awards. After watching a couple of trailers online, later tonight I'll be watching 'My life as a Zucchini' – a French-Swiss animation about a young orphan called Courgette (clearly translated into American). It's described as a heart-warming tale with dark themes. Although it's a film for children, it does include discussions about sex, accidental death, abuse, suicide, alcoholism and drugs. I think the French-Swiss have very different ideas of what makes a great children's film – but it looks very good (trailer below).



Next week's celebrations – include Burn's Night, Survival Day, Chinese New Year and Fiera de las Alasitas!

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