|
Where would the indie world be without Sundance? "I don't think it would be as vibrant and healthy if it wasn't for Sundance," Redford said. "I'm not certain about my role. I've been referred to as the godfather of independent film. That makes me a little uncomfortable. I don't like having that much sitting on my shoulders." What Redford likes most during the festival is the gathering of this year's filmmakers that he'll host Saturday at his nearby Sundance Resort, away from the crowds in Park City. After that, he likes to fade out for a breather from the Sundance scene. "Because of the monster size of the festival, because it's grown so big, it puts so much pressure on me the first days that I can't take a whole lot more, and I have to go away after a few days," Redford said. "Because of how much I like to see the films, it's become an issue. So I kind of like to retreat, then sort of sneak back in disguise later in the festival and just try to see the films." And it's the films that remain long after the festival's hype and glamor fades. You can look no further than last week's Academy Awards nominations to see the ripple effect the high-altitude festival for low-budget film has in the real world of show business. Last year's top Sundance prize winner, "Beasts of the Southern Wild," picked up four Oscar nominations, including best picture, director for first-time filmmaker Benh Zeitlin and actress for 9-year-old Quvenzhane Wallis, who had never acted before. For Zeitlin, out of nowhere and into the company of fellow nominees Steven Spielberg and Ang Lee. For Wallis, into the company of Naomi Watts and Jennifer Lawrence, herself a breakout Sundance star for "Winter's Bone." "That's why we're here," Redford said. "When somebody comes out of nowhere and with our support goes somewhere, that's a real pleasure to me."
[Associated
Press;
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries
Community |
Perspectives
|
Law & Courts |
Leisure Time
|
Spiritual Life |
Health & Fitness |
Teen Scene
Calendar
|
Letters to the Editor