Ottawa University students and faculty are working to make the third student trip to the Sundance Film Festival possible.
“Sundance is a place where 50,000 movie lovers from around the world gather to watch and discuss edgy new films.” Shannon Dyer, chair of the division of communication studies, said.
Dyer took students to the festival in 2008 and 2009. She said while the trip is expensive it is a good experience for students who enjoy movies. She said the festival is like little voice emerging in filmmaking and that many big movies are coming from Sundance because they are cheaper and the audience is interested in these types of films.
“What I think challenges students most is the variety of perspectives that come out in the films,” Dyer said. “We focus on the documentaries and some of them can really challenge your perspective on a topic.”
Dyer said it is her hope that students attend Sundance ready to re-think some of their beliefs and ideas and think about some of the ideas in new ways.
Dyer said that she enjoys the conversation that takes place everywhere from talkbacks with filmmakers after a showing to discussions with strangers also attending the festival. Some students simply enjoy the film viewings.
“I’m a big movie buff,” Senior Meagan Wilcox said. “A chance to see these movies before they go to theater is cool.”
Wilcox said although she may not be able to attend Sundance this year she thinks the experience is valuable for students.
“There is a lot you can’t learn in the classroom and the documentaries cover every topic imaginable,” she said. “I hope students cram in as many movies as humanly possible in a day. Sleep isn’t important at Sundance.”
Students who attend this year will have passes to view 12 to 16 movies over a five day period.
This year Dyer will be handing over the trip lead to Head of Communication Arts Ryan Louis. She said the goal is that the class be diversely taught.
“I love Sundance every year and miss it when I do not go.” Dyer said. “But I feel it is important to keep the excitement high and pass the experience around.”
Louis said plans for the Sundance Film Festival are currently tentative but he is excited to attend.
“I am so excited I could click my heels,” Louis said. “I want to be jumping while I click them.”
Louis said the film festival makes it possible to use film as a tool for social change and thought. He hopes it will allow students to reflect and appeal to their sense of criticism.
Louis said he always wanted to go to the film festival to be a part of something that he has admired for years.
Student travel to the festival will be from January 25 through January 30, 2011. The trip is open to all students who have a passion for film.
Those interested in attending should contact Ryan Louis or Shannon Dyer by Friday.
Students should expect to pay around $1250 although this price is tentative.