Having followed Sundance since the early 90s (during the supposed re-birth of American indie film), I have to say that Sundance was, for a while, in danger of becoming the obnoxious cousin of the celeb-whorish film fests like Cannes (don't get me wrong -- great fest, but way too much bling for my taste), and cozying up to Hollywood a bit too closely. But I think Redford was successful at steering the whole celeb culture from hitting Sundance full force, otherwise the fest would by now have been inundated with red carpet events and premieres.

I've been to Sundance a couple of times now, and I have to say I'm impressed by how diligent fest organizers have been in keeping the fest all about the independent (i.e. non-studio) process of filmmaking -- I love the panels, seminars, the Filmmakers' Lodge where the whole DIY gang hangs, shares war stories, and hobnobs with industry types and journalists). It's a great, really inspiring scene, and I'm happy that the grassroorts to mid-range documentary and narrative moviemakers have Sundance still as a legitimate launching point to give their works cred and visibility. So, in the end, I'd say Sundance hasn't gone Hollywood -- not whole hog anyway. If that were the case, no way Jose I'd want to go back.

Well Jay - your take gives me hope. This is my first time going and besides my "cold weather anxiety", I am now looking forward to the event and to meeting filmmakers who are truly doing their thing.

I just posted the movies I'm most looking forward to at Sundance this year and mentioned how excited I am every year by the world cinema pics & docs that they select. A couple of the films I've caught over the past few years - the Argentinian film El Aura, by the late and beyond great Fabian Bielinsky, and Adam's Apples which is stars Mads Mikkelsen in a totally unique role both of which never got theatrical distribution and only recently came out on DVD. These films are the reason (should be the reason) Sundance exists and why all other local film fests do too. And come to think of it, why Jaman exists as well!

How do you define "Hollywood"? It could be a bit commercial (Sundance), as you now see tons of big companies doing sponsored 'parties', in addtion to the press and whoopla from the Hollywood crowd. But is it pure Hollywood yet? I don't think so. Its more like a pre-pubescent Hollywood stage perhaps.

I think shorts (which are all indie in nature) will always have a great showcase at Sundance. As far as features everything is so sold out not sure who even gets into the screening to create the buzz.