Sundance

One week ago today marked the start of the 26th annual Sundance Film Festival. The Festival is the event of the year for indie film lovers and has developed into a hot scene for celebrities and Hollywood elite.

There has been criticism from some that Sundance has in recent years become too connected with Hollywood and offers favoritism to the art films of the major studios. This year's Festival ought to see its roots for a couple of reasons.

First, due to the economic downturn, many of the major studio's have decided to close their specialty divisions. Warner Independent, Picturehouse, and Paramount Vantage have all been closed within the past two years, while Miramax has been significantly downsized.

Second has to do with the philosophy of Sundance's new director John Copper. Copper, who assumed the position last March, has expressed an intent on returning Sundance to a focus on the indie film. And many agree that this year's selection has more of the challenging and original stories that Sundance has grown its success with films like "Blue Valentine" starring Ryan Gosling and "Howl" about a young Allan Ginsberg. Copper has also included a new section called Next dedicated to the showcasing of "low to no budget films."

Sundance has a history of being the launching point of breakout films and brilliant directors. Films like Clerks, Donnie Darko, Little Miss Sunshine, Thankyou for Smoking, Super Troopers, sex, lies, and videotape, Reservoir Dogs, Napolean Dynamite all appeared at Sundance before gaining popularity. Sundance is also the start of directors Quentin Tarantino and Wes Anderson. Last years breakout hit Precious: Based on the Novel "Push by Sapphire has already done well at the Gloden Globes and has a great deal of oscar buzz.

Sundance 2010 Jan 21-31