Boxoffice-July.1995

it's
Given the extensive media coverage Sundance often inspires,
possible to follow the hot breaking industry buzz through a
variety of media outlets. But if the chance to see up to 30 independent
titles well before tliey are nationally released is of interest,
and if the opportunity to combine business with a mid-winter ski
vacation in a world-class resort is at all appealing, the Sundance
Film Festival is worth more than a passing glance.
THE PLAYERS:
Robert Redford has become as associated with flie Sundance
Film festival as Leo the Lion is with MGM, and he does make
unnannounced appearances each year in a kind of hit-and-nm,
ceremonial capacity. But Redford is far from symptomattc of the
type of film personality Sundance draws on; in general, the festival
rounds up indie stars like Tim Roth ("Little Odessa") and Samuel
Jackson ("Pulp Fiction"), coupled with more mainstream faces in
transition (Jasmine Guy, Oliver Piatt, Jerry Lewis).
CLOSE-UP:
Since many Sundance titles are without distribution at the time
the event is held, it's impossible to say whether or not bookings or
anytliing remotely connected to exhibition can be accomplished
on-site. As a venue that provides numerous "first look" possibilities
for upcoming indie tides, however, Sundance is an event that is
second to none.
For complete coverage of the 1995 Sundance Film Festival,
please consult tire review section in our April, 1995 issue.
—Ray Greene
Although dates for the 18th SimdaiKe festival arc not yet set, the
Utah State Film Coimmssion infomts Boxoffice that thefest usuaUij
starts on the thud TImrsday in Januaiy. In 1996, this would place
Sundance from Jan. 18 to 28. Make arrangements by Tlianksgiving:
the festival sells out earlier each year For more info: 801-538-8740
MIAMI FILM FESTIVAL
ESTABLISHING SHOT.
Miami
Blues, indeed: In recent years, this simny getaway
has been battered by everything from hurricanes to an
influx of Haitian and Cuban refiigees to a wave of attacks
on tourists named Wolfgang. But, once those images have faded,
the Miami Film Festival shines through that doom and gloom with
the luster of the
fiery orange sphere
that always graces
the tourist-board
ads for this beachcomber
haven.
As much as
it
might want to be,
the fest isn't one of
those Hollywood
hobnobs, where
Tinseltown's finest
arrive to glittergulch
some movie
outpost. With
screenings held in
the beautifiilly
ornate
Gusman Center
for the Performing
Arts,
Miami comes close
/W/am/ festival director Nat Ctiediak witl^
Cuban-born actor Andy Garcia.
to what a festival really
ought to be:
Rather than one big business meeting occasionally interrupted by
inconsequential screenings, it's abona fide celebration of film and
weU earns its festival credo, "for the love of film."
Usually boasting great weatiier and organization, tiiis Febniary
fest is always a hit with the general public. Let's hope that accolade
Response No. 99
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Response No. 92
July, 1995 65