By Alyssa Boddicker
The One Everyone Is Talking About:
Birth of a Nation is the film just about everyone is talking about at Sundance this year. Written, directed and starred in by Nate Parker, Birth of a Nation tells the story of Nat Turner, leader of a slave rebellion in the 1800’s. Receiving a standing ovation both before and after the film was presented, the poignant yet powerful reflection of the slave revolution lead by Nat Turner was welcomed by Sundance viewers in a climate of racial tension within the film industry. With its record breaking purchase by Fox Spotlight for $17.5 million, it’s sure to be the film to watch.
The Surprise:
Southside With You tells the unique tale of the first couple of the United States of America on their first date. The director Richard Tanne describes his film as a “love story told through the prism of Barry Obama and then Michelle Robinson, not the president and the first lady”. The leads of the film, Parker Sawyers and Tika Sumpter were attracted to the project because of how the couple have listened to each other and the challenged each other with real conversations even at the beginning of their relationship. A film made with “modest ambition” was a quirky and fun surprise for Sundance goers, whereas Barack Obama’s team is “excited and a little baffled” by the film. Now it’s just a matter of how the public reacts.
The Stars:
Many celebrities have graced the Sundance Film Festival with tiny independent films emerging as breakout stars (are you thinking Ellen Page in Juno?). This year already big names, along with a few destined-to-be stars are bringing out films. Below we see household names such as Margot Robbie, as well as up and comer True Grit alum Hailee Steinfeld, Jena Malone, and Mary Elizabeth. As the week continues, we are sure to see many more celebs bundled up in their Park City attire.
The Fashion:
As much as Sundance is a place to put independent films on display, it is also a unique place for fashion display tool. Set in Park City, Utah, Sundance has the unique location to force attendees to bundle up from their typical red carpet looks and emerge in winter fashions that would not work at the Oscars! The result is more cozy and casual clothing, layered pieces, winter accessories that bring a “ski resort gone Hollywood” vibe from all of the attendees. This Sundance has also seen bright colors added such as turquoise, hot pink and orange to the red carpet and streetwear fashions. Can’t wait to see if their films are as bright as their wardrobes!
What’s Been Sold:
One of the main points of Sundance is to sell independent films to larger distributors. It’s a win-win for both the distributor and the movie creator because the distributor has the predicted success of the film based on it’s success at Sundance, and the creator gets to see their project expand onto many more screens.
Birth of a Nation: The biggest and most expensive battle for a Sundance film was won by Fox Searchlight this year for global rights of Birth of a Nation for a cool $17.5 million. In the midst of a time of racial tension, specifically within the film industry, Fox Spotlight took a big risk purchasing this film but with an anticipated large pay-off. With the agreement to appear this year on at least 1,500 screens, Birth of a Nation is expected to follow in the footsteps of another Fox Spotlight release 12 Years a Slave, and possible award nominations in the future.
The Intervention: by Clea DuVall was picked up by Paramount for around $2 million where she directed, wrote and co-starred in the film about a couples weekend getaway turned into a marriage intervention. DuVall is known for her roles in Argo and HBO’s Carnivale.
Brahman Naman: Netflix, the once small distribution company has clearly stepped up since their increase in original content, and with that search for unique films to put out. Directed by Q, this self-described Indian nerd comedy follows a champion college quiz team who attempt to win the all-Indian finals. This film is another example of Netflix as an aggressive festival buying, following their purchases of Tallulah, Audrie & Daisy, The Fundamentals of Caring, and Under the Shadow all this year.
–