phototransmission: SUNDANCE WRAP UP 2010

Saturday night was the last night of the Sundance Film Festival. I shot the awards ceremony with Calvin Knight and the other press photographers. Our video crew did a live feed of the presentation on the site and we posted photos as the awards were announced. It was quite an experience. Watching film makers reactions as they receive accolades for their hard work at a festival that really tries to support artists is truly an honor.

World Cinema Jury Prize: Documentary – Mads Brügger, The Red Chapel

Awards Host David Hyde Pierce

Juror Morgan Spurlock

Award Presenter Joseph Gordon Levitt

Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic – Debra Granik, Winter’s Bone

Immediately following the presentation the award site turns into a huge reception and party. Ticket holders drank and mingled with the filmmakers. Yours truly enjoyed the festivities at two venues; the before mentioned Awards After Party and at Late Night Lounge, a venue for filmmakers and institute members. Both parties were tons of fun and were a welcomed end to a great festival.

Late Night Lounge

We saw the shorts presentation on Sunday morning. The Shorts Program at The Festival is one of my favorite parts of the experience. I shot the awards show for The Shorts Program earlier in the week. It was good to see both the US and World winners; 'Drunk History' 'Six Dollar Fifty Man' and 'Dock Ellis & the LSD No No'. My favorite film this year is a toss up between two films. 'The Kids Are Alright', which got picked up and will be released. It's a light hearted family story of two lesbians whose children find their biological father and the hi-jinks that ensue. My other favorite 'Enter The Void' was a dark and psychedelic drug movie based around the Tibetan Book of The Dead. This film was also picked up by IFC and has been edited down, which the run time really needed. It's an intense film. I also caught Tucker and Dale Vs Evil and HIGH School which are safe bets for cult classic status.