The Sundance Film Festival was fantastic! Below is a recap of the films I saw in order of preference. The top 5 are “must see” films. At some of the films
I was able to catch a Q&A on video. Those are stored on the right nav of my blog in the Qik video widget. Detailed film descriptions are written in the Sundance Film Festival Guide.

• La Mission: Filmed in San Francisco’s Mission district. A story of a single father dealing with the reality that his son is gay. The film deals with a side of the issue that has not yet been told on the big screen. Director and Cast Q&A on Qik video.
• The Cove: This is by far the most important film at the festival. A must see for anyone on the planet. Anti-dolphin slave trade activist Ric O’Barry, the original trainer of Flipper dophins in the 60’s uncovers the horrifying truth of dolphin killing in Japan and its impact on our eco-system. Q&A on Qik video.
• Push: Based on the novel by Sapphire: A powerful film about a 15 year old girl, pregnant for the 2nd time with her father’s child, who is also dealing with physical abuse by her mother and no education. An amazing performance by a new actor Gabourey Sidibe. I look forward to seeing her in future films. Director and Cast Q&A on Qik video.
• The September Issue: A documentary of the 5 months leading up to the release of the September issue of Vogue 2007. Anna Wintour up close. Fantastic!!
• The Greatest: The most powerful and haunting opening scene I’ve ever experienced. Principal Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Susan Sarandon.
• Rough Aunties: A Documentary about a team of women in Durban, South Africa who have dedicated their lives to protecting children from physical and sexual abuse with their non-profit organization Bobbi Bear. It is amazing to watch what a team of 10 women can do for a community. A great reminder that a few focused, passionate individuals can significantly impact change.
• Afghan Star: The American Idol of Afghanistan with over 1/3 of the country watching it. This story follows 4 contestants of which 2 are women - a first - that are competing for the #1 spot. For many of the citizens this represents the first encounter with any kind of democratic process. It also pushes the limits of what women can do, and puts 2 of them under government protection due to the death threats they are getting.
• Helen: A powerful look at suicidal depression and the impact on the family. Compassionately told, raises awareness about an issue kept silent by many families. Principal Cast: Ashley Judd.
• Motherhood: I missed the premier, and Jodie Foster. Need i say more? Okay, it was entertaining, worth a watch, a day in the life of a mom in NYC. Director Q&A on Qik video.
• In the Loop: Some great one liners, was a festival favorite for many.
• Dare: A coming of age story for three teens. Entertaining. Gay subplot.
• 500 Days of Summer: A decent date flick.
• Humpday: Two men find themselves in a mutual dare after a wild night of partying: to enter an amateur porn contest with a boundary breaking porn of two straight men having sex with each other for the first time and the issues around the event. I was surprised by how well they dealt with the topic, no gay bashing existed in this film. It was cleverly done.
• Cliente - A French Gigolo: An oddly empowering film for women. As described in the review, “part bedroom farce, class melodrama and feminist foray…” Enjoyable.
• An Education: Set in London 1961, a story of a young girls journey to adulthood. Carey Mulligan (also in The Greatest) carries this movie with her performance as Jenny. I hope to see more of her in the coming years.
• World’s Greatest Dad: This film showed the worst side of every character, intentionally. Robin Williams plays the father of a troubled teen, the story really starts after the boys death. I’m not sure that i recommend this movie, though many believe it is one of Robin Williams strongest performances.
• Victoria Day: Seen this storyline to often. Live review on the streets of Park City on Qik video.
• Shrink: Typical predictable storyline around Hollywood insiders and their sad lives. I would have walked out if i wasn’t sitting in the middle of the row with all the cast members behind me. Principal Cast: Kevin Spacey
• Manure: Interesting color, all shades of brown, as relates to the movie theme. An odd theme with clever dialog. Principal Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Tea Leoni and Kyle Maclachlan.
• The Vicious Kind: I walked out.

Video Links from Q&A’s:

Push: Director Q&A at Sundance Film Festival 2009
Push: Based on the novel by Saphire. Director: Lee Daniels. Cast Gabourey Sidibe, Paula Patton, MoNique, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz

The Cove: Q&A at Sundance Film Festival 2009

Worlds Greatest Dad: Director Q&A Sundance Film Festival 2009
Director/Screenwriter: Bobcat Goldthwait. Cast: Robin Williams, Daryl Sabara, Alexie Glimore, Tom Kenny, Geoffrey Pierson, Henry Simmons, Mitzi Mccall, Tony V.

Motherhood: Director Q&A Sundance Film Festival 2009
Director/Writer: Katherine Dieckmann. Cast: Uma Thurman, Anthony Edwards, Minie Drive. Cameo: Jodie Foster

Films that were talked about by many but that i did not see:

• Taking Chance
• Arlen Faber
• Brooklyn’s Finest
• I Love You Phillip Morris