Sundance Day 6 – Tuesday
This is the seventh in a series of Sundance Film Festival entries.
I always want to see films that change my worldview, make me think; films that make me want to do something. Who Killed the Electric Car? begins as a simple, dull, educational film about GM’s mid-nineties answer to nonpolluting vehicles, the stylish and electric EV1. But as the film goes on filmmaker Chris Paine’s investigation into the development, recall and consequent demolition of these cars is 100% rage inducing. By the time we visit the wrecking grounds via Huell Howser and the demolition expert says, “That’s the sound of a crushed automobile being shredded into a million pieces,†the audience is both shaking their heads and groaning. The film is a sick indictment of oil companies and car companies and of course, the government. Unfortunately, the voice over and weak start to the film make it inaccessible to general audiences. And, it’s not really a festival film either. The film has some problems, but ultimately it angered me and made me think and it’s hard to complain about something that makes you feel.
Continuing on in my party style this year I spent the rest of the day party hopping down Main Street. First stop, the Sundance Channel party, which was so packed it was near impossible to move around 350 Main (the restaurant where they held the party). So I made the rounds and then headed down to Zoom for the Picturehouse party. It was a calm group having drinks and the always-beautiful Zoom delicacies. I stuck around there until they turned the lights up and kicked us out. And it was off to the Heineken Green Room for the IDA and A&E party. Molly Thompson of A&E announced their second annual work in progress grant. Financing news is always good plus the sushi was amazing! And I know it’s not just because I was starving. After all I had already eaten at the 2 previous parties!
Finally it was destination Kodak party. The Kodak party is somewhat of a Sundance institution. Lots of people, lots of food, live music and dancing. Instead of milling about the party I decided to set up camp in a booth and have the people come to me. It worked great! Darianna and I sat there and ended up meeting and chatting with filmmakers, sales reps, writers, festival programmers, it was the who’s who in documentary film.
On the way home on the shuttle I overheard an industry-type talking. “I have two blackberries,†he said. “With a blue-tooth in each ear. And sometimes they ring at the same time. It’s so funny.†I couldn’t help thinking…how funny it ACTUALLY is. Good thing there’s only 2 more days of this nonsense. I’m starting to think I can’t take any more. But at this point there’s no slowing down for Day 7.