The DGA recently hosted virtual receptions for filmmakers with projects accepted into the 2021 Sundance Film Festival.
At the reception on January 6, Director Patricia Riggen — whose film Family Portrait won the Short Filmmaking Award at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival — spoke to the online attendees about how the Guild’s flexibility makes it possible to still be an independent filmmaker and protected by the DGA; Sundance’s Festival Director Tabitha Jackson and other Sundance staffers gave festival survival tips; and DGA Senior Manager, Special Events & Independent Organizing Matt Gamarra explained how the Guild works with indie Directors. Also attending the January 6 reception were DGA members with projects at the festival including Marilyn Agrelo (Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street), Sian Heder (Coda), Lucy Walker (Bring Your Own Brigade), Nanfu Wang (In the Same Breath) and Daryl Wein (How It Ends).
At the reception on January 8, Director and Sundance alumnus Ritesh Batra (Photograph) discussed the creative protections and community that Guild membership can provide; DGA Assistant Executive Director Mary Hatch shared some of the benefits of working under the Guild’s contracts; and Sundance staffers delivered more valuable festival information. Also attending the January 8 reception was DGA member RJ Cutler (Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry).
About the Festival:
The Sundance Film Festival brings original storytellers together for its annual program of dramatic and documentary films, shorts, New Frontier films, installations, performances, panel discussions, and dynamic music events. The 2021 Festival is scheduled to take place from January 28 to February 3, virtually in Park City, Utah and at satellite venues throughout the country.