Imagine yourself strolling the streets of Park City, Utah, a place where you can ski, bike, shop, or attend the highly anticipated Sundance Film Festival. This year, the Sundance Film Festival began on January 22nd and ended on February 1st. This annual event, established in 1985, allows independent filmmakers from around the world to compete in a festival featuring “dramatic and documentary films, shorts, New Frontier films, installations, performances, panel discussions, and dynamic music events” (Sundance.org).
Here are four films that aired at the Sundance Film Festival 2015 that stirred up a lot of buzz amongst critics:
1. Misery Loves ComedyThis film almost immediately catches our attention with over 50 celebrity appearances including Tom Hanks, Jimmy Fallon, Lisa Kudrow, and Whoopi Goldberg. This comedy consists of several interviews of Hollywood’s funniest stars who have dedicated their lives to making strangers laugh. This film takes fans and audience members into the minds of our favorite comedians to help us understand their devotion to putting a smile on our face.
2. ResultsIf fitness is your forte, then this film is perfect for you. This comedy is set in Austin, TX and explores the world of fitness as character Danny searches for his silver lining by signing up for personal training lessons at his local gym. Throughout the course of Danny’s time spent exercising at the gym, he encounters several unique individuals. To Danny’s surprise, these professional relationships slowly begin to transition into personal, intimate affairs outside of the gym as well.
3. TangerineAlthough a tangy, orange fruit might first come to mind as you read the title, this film instead revolves around transgender prostitutes who work throughout poor areas in Hollywood. Audience members find themselves instantly drawn to the characters in this film, as they are relatable, unique, and undeniably funny. Without a doubt this story is full of surprises, but what sets this film aside from the others is that due to a small budget, the majority of scenes were shot with nothing other than an iPhone 5S.
4. The BronzeWe all make time in our busy schedules when the Olympics air on television. We are amazed and struck by the incredible talent of young athletes from around the world that unfolds on screen before our eyes. However, The Bronze focuses around a fictional American gymnast, Hope Ann Greggory, who took home the bronze medal for her team in 2004. Once an admired American hero, Hope is now a forgotten star of the past who attempts to arise from her slump of loneliness and regain purpose by mentoring a young, aspiring gymnast.
As the largest independent film festival in the United States, The Sundance Film Festival introduced film lovers to what they claim to be “the most original and authentic storytelling.” Although the 2015 festival just ended, start planning in advance for next year. Tickets sell out very quickly as this is truly an event that is not to be missed.