Tiger is a portrait of award-winning, internationally acclaimed Indigenous artist and elder Dana Tiger, her family, and the resurgence of the iconic Tiger T-shirt company. “Tiger receiving the Short Film Special Jury Award for Directing was an absolute shock,” says Tiger’s director, screenwriter, and producer, Loren Waters. “This award shows that Indigenous people, when they have the creativity and the ability to make decisions without overhead, can be beautiful and meaningful. It’s exciting for Dana and her family to receive the recognition they deserve.”
This year, the absence of Slamdance was noticeable and may account for what felt like many fewer people than ever before. Also, the closing down of Main Street was new, and it was always somewhat open to Sundance traffic and festival needs, but you could never walk freely on the street. Unfortunately, a crowd never really assembled. There were always lines for waitlists, but there were extra seats at all the screenings I attended and a somewhat spicey staff barking orders and moving people.
So, due to the lack of in-person film screenings, I ventured elsewhere. I had a great experience attending The Impact Lounge at The Prospector, where there was plenty of parking—highly unusual. The Impact Lounge was filled with great people, good energy, and engaging film talks. In addition, I spent my time celebrating diversity at Ericka Nicole Malone Entertainment’s Indie Directors & Creators Lounge, featuring DJ Spinderella (Salt-N-Pepa) and DJ Pee. Wee (Anderson .Paak), Niecy Nash-Betts, and others were also wonderful. Ericka Nicole Malone is an inspiration.
“I saw all the volunteers and ticket-checkers on the floor, appearing exhausted—is this Sundance?”
However, the Music Lodge was less impressive. Held at the Treasure Mountain Inn, once home to Slamdance, it was worn and tired. Yet, the Sundance Filmmakers Lounge was a wonderful place to meet filmmakers, share power strips, and chat about filmmaking. Isn’t that the whole purpose? The food at the Lounge was affordable and delicious, especially the handmade empanadas.
When I did my online watching, I had a full spectrum of subject matter and film styles, from documentaries to dramas and comedy, which included The Dating Game, Atropia, Prime Minister, and Bunnylovr. I also had the opportunity to watch Speak. previous to attending. Always thrilled to watch films, I did appreciate the ability to pack in films even though I would have preferred to do it at the theater. Hopefully, Sundance will stay in Utah and evolve independent film in ways we have yet to imagine. I appreciate it being so close to home and look forward to how all the Sundance films will make it to audiences throughout the year.
Sundance Film Reviews
Bubble and Squeak, Bunny Lovr, Death Education, Didn’t Die, INKWO: For When the Starving Return, Out For Delivery, The Things We Keep, Third Act, Tiger, Two Women (Deux femmes en or)
