BARACK-ON!

CELEBRATING CHANGE AT SUNDANCE

by Ilene Marder, January 18, 2009

The days are flying by and packed from early morning to late night and I am way behind on reporting many key happenings, including the very successful WFF Breakfast Party, my initiation into absinthe, a bevy of great films & parties and hanging out for a while last night with the ultra cool Billy Bob Thorton.

But first, today was, of course, an extraordinary day in Park City as well as across the planet.
Many early morning screenings were near-empty as attendees stayed in to watch the TV coverage of the inauguration. There were screens set-up on Main Street to view the Presidential festivities and hundreds gathered early on, coffees in hand, crowded together in bright, crisp sunlight, carrying on like it was New Year's Eve. We were fortunate to be invited to watch it all at a lovely condo overlooking the Main St. crowds with a dozen or so progressive compatriots. Let me tell you, the tissue box made the rounds more than a couple of times. I would call the mood jubilant, light-headed, relieved... (perhaps the biggest cheers came when the Bush helicopter flew off into the sunset).

Many hours later, the hi-def tv screens at the headquarters press office are on and tuned to the news channels and newspapers from all over the country are strewn about. Although everyone is proceeding with their business, there's a special feeling in the air.

Today, we had one of our own...party that is...!

The Woodstock Film Festival held our Breakfast Party at the New York Lounge on Main St., right in the heart of Park City action, and by 11am it was packed. Which was great because we brought huge protions of fruit, cookies, pastries and enough bananas for the team at the Bronx Zoo (bananas are a popular item because starving young filmmakers can stash them away for later...).

The event was a smash success, attended by many filmmakers and industry heavyweights, who, to our delight, expressed more than passing interest in participating in our upcoming 10th Anniversary festival Sept. 30-Oct.4.
It is always amazing to hear other people talk about how great the Woodstock Film Festival is, and we are happy with the prospects.

Among the New York oriented guests....Ulster County's own Melissa Leo, the incredible actress who has been snagging all kinds of Best Actress honors for her breakthrough portrayal in Frozen River; indie director/actor/producer Larry Fessenden (of Phoencia!), Sopranos' actor Matt Servitto whose film Big Fan is screening at Sundance, Academy award winning director Barbara Kopple, reps from HBO, distributors, etc etc etc.
the thing with aprties is you try toget as mnay business cards as possibkle for future contacts...and by that rule, this one was a big success.... my pockets were overflowing.

Tonight we go to a BMI gathering (hey...Billy Bob Thornton is supposed to be there)...