Listen now (54 min) | Directors Jesse Moss of 'Boys State' and Liz W. Garcia of 'The Lifeguard' reveal their backstories behind going from unknown to acclaim in one stressed-out week
I'm curious when these filmmakers were first contacted by Sundance or someone affiliated.
The filmmakers I know whose films made it to Sundance started getting polite inquiries the moment they received grant and/or investor funding. Then they were informed they were being "tracked." Then they were asked for rough cuts of the film. And--of course-- their entry fees were immediately waived! So getting in was very exciting but it wasn't a total shock.
It would also be interesting to learn what percentage of the 2022 Sundance line-up truly came from the open submission slush pile. I'm guessing...one?
I know the festival entry fees pay the bills, but it gives newbie/unknown filmmakers (false) hope they could actually make it into the festival, when in fact, the line-up is pretty much pre-determined.
I'm curious when these filmmakers were first contacted by Sundance or someone affiliated.
The filmmakers I know whose films made it to Sundance started getting polite inquiries the moment they received grant and/or investor funding. Then they were informed they were being "tracked." Then they were asked for rough cuts of the film. And--of course-- their entry fees were immediately waived! So getting in was very exciting but it wasn't a total shock.
It would also be interesting to learn what percentage of the 2022 Sundance line-up truly came from the open submission slush pile. I'm guessing...one?
I know the festival entry fees pay the bills, but it gives newbie/unknown filmmakers (false) hope they could actually make it into the festival, when in fact, the line-up is pretty much pre-determined.