After thirty years, Sundance—what began in 1978 as a noble attempt to cultivate and nurture a flourishing, yet fragile independent film tradition—has lost its soul. That’s not news. Sundance itself has tried to combat the inexorable building-up of hype (some of you will remember last year’s Focus on Film buttons). But still, countless companies throw rolexes at stars; paparazzi slide up and down Main Street hunting down $1,500 shots of Paris in her Uggs; it’s all about what parties you’ve been invited to, who you know, how big and fabulous your entourage is, and what you’re wearing.

In reality, it’s all sound and fury. For the heart, the soul of Sundance is alive and well—you’ll find it in the theater, just after the lights dim.

And this year, there’s reinforcements. A new generation is coming to Park City—eager to actually see those nearly-forgotten films and support the independence that inspired the formation of Sundance in the first palce. This, the Giving Suite, is intended to be an offering from a number of eco-oriented businesses founded by members of that generation. For like Redford and his pals, the new green-eration is all about the independence—saying what you mean in your own way, free to do your best (or worst) to realize an artistic vision not beholden to backseat vulture capitalists. For, at the end of the day (and the Festival), the hype is fast-forgotten, and all that remains is the connections you’ve made, the inspiration you’ve taken in—and given back. It’s not about how much schwag we can grab—it’s about what we have to give.

Look forward to meeting you all. In the next few days I’ll report on the Giving Suite’s companies, and our discoveries in the wide world of Sundance.

Waylon Lewis
/elephant journal/