The DGA recently hosted two virtual receptions for filmmakers with projects accepted into the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
At the reception on January 8, Director Zal Batmanglij — whose 2011 feature Sound of My Voice earned a Sundance “Best of Next!” Audience Award nomination in 2011 — spoke to the online attendees about the community of DGA members, the supportive staff and the flexibility of the Guild’s Low Budget Agreements. Sundance Festival Director Eugene Hernandez and Director of Programming, Kim Yutani gave festival survival tips; and DGA Special Assignments Executive Jennifer Peat explained how the Guild works with independent filmmakers. Also attending the January 8 reception were DGA members with projects at the festival including Laura Chinn (Suncoast), Sarah Dowland (Sue Bird: In the Clutch), Jason Harper (As We Speak), Alex Stapleton (God Save Texas: The Price of Oil), David Zellner (Sasquatch Sunset) and the festival is featuring a special 40th anniversary screening of Ondi Timoner’s documentary, DIG!
At the second reception on January 10, Director Mary Harron — whose feature I Shot Andy Warhol was nominated for the Sundance Grand Jury Prize in 1996 — discussed the creative protections that DGA membership can provide; Assistant Executive Director Mary Hatch shared some of the benefits of working under the Guild’s contracts; and Sundance staffers delivered more valuable festival information. Also attending the January 10 reception were DGA members Susanna Fogel (Winner), Josh Greenbaum (Will & Harper), Greg Jardin (It’s What’s Inside), Kobi Libii (The American Society of Magical Negroes), Amber Sealey (Out of My Mind), Michael John Warren (Lolla: The Story of Lollapalooza) and Nathan Zellner (Sasquatch Sunset).
About the Festival:
The Sundance Film Festival brings original storytellers together for its annual program of dramatic and documentary films, shorts, New Frontier films, installations, performances, panel discussions, and dynamic music events. The 2024 Festival takes place from January 18-28 in person and online.