O.K. These two are not directly related. One is a hybrid verb/adjective elucidating apocalyptic precipitations of the frozen variety and the other is a formal noun, otherwise known as a weeklong cinematic fest/party. As I had a tad bit of extra time on my hands this weekend, I spent it viewing the Sundance website at length. Chiefly the former, approximately 25 inches of snow that blanketed neighborhoods and satellite dishes, afforded free time for the later. Thanks to my 3G Datacard Laptop, I was able to look back at Sundance 2010 when Mother Nature crashed power lines and the world beyond my screen went completely dark. Ancient eastern philosophy dictates that when you cannot change your circumstances, change your attitude. Gotta love technology.

Sundance captivates interest like no other because this festival and its associated institute do so much to promote independent filmmaking. In the can’t-have-everything department and having spent my tax refund in New York, I was not able to attend Sundance 2010. Thankfully, detailed news from Park City is available online.

Diversity and inclusiveness is fundamental to Sundance’s DNA. Still, what I saw in the clips grabbed my attention. More and more female filmmakers are taking home prizes. That’s good news for everyone. Let’s see a fresh row of raised hands, shall we?

In a year when the Directors Guild of America has given its top honor to a woman director for the first time, the news is encouraging. Kathryn Bigelow may or may not win an Oscar for Hurt Locker but she has already won a place in cinematic history. The Directors Guild of America named her best director for a gutsy piece of work. She successfully tackled a controversial subject, Iraq, and did it on a shoestring budget. Hmmm. Why does that sound familiar? Maybe because that is how independent filmmakers generally work and continue to challenge the accepted formulas for storytelling. That is one of the chief reasons independent films are so much fun to watch and root for.

Let’s see some great work. Submit your films for RIFF 2010. The popcorn will be ready.

 ~Peace. Tina