LAist at Sundance: The Big Preview

Photo courtesy of In Between Sessions via Flickr

Starting tomorrow and continuing through next week, LAist will be reporting live from the Sundance Film Festival. We'll be covering the films, the parties, the people and the various surreal and pointless events that comprise the most important film festival in the country. With the WGA strike still in full bloom, most are expecting a buying frenzy up in Park City as distributors stock up on films just in case the strike continues to paralyze the industry. It should be a fun week of long days and even longer nights.

For many, the mass commercialization of the festival has ruined what once was a pure representation of independent film. Considering that there's a party this year for The Hottie and the Nottie (no, it's not in the festival), it's hard to argue with that view. Nevertheless, despite all the silly parties, bullshitting and starfucking, one fact remains: if you're a movie fan you're going to find dozens of films that interest you and several that astonish you. Most likely, you'll not even be able to see everything you want which is a rare treat.

Below the fold, I've listed the films that I hope to see and review. I can't promise to catch every one (hangovers are quite potent at altitude and Sunday is a tempting day for football), but I'll definitely give you plenty to read and watch. Check in every day around 2 p.m. for the latest update. Remember, the films at Sundance eventually reach theaters so check back often for early previews of future hits. Last year, Once, Teeth and The King of Kong all made a big splash. What films will break out this year? It's never what you expect!