As we’ve begun ramping up and counting down to our own cine-bration (132 days to the Los Angeles Film Festival—rah!), we decided to survey filmmakers who survived Sundance on their fave films, most memorable moments and advice on how to make the most of any festival experience.

Which Sundance films made the biggest impression on you?

“Rich Hill, which from one minute in I was a weeping mess, and Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter. I’ve grown up with [the filmmakers] the Zellners and I think their brand of filmmaking and storytelling is so unique and so visionary and I just adore them.”

-Kat Candler, writer/director, Hellion

“Sadly, I only had time to see seven narrative features, but I really loved Whiplash and I Origins.”

-Mynette Louie, Producer, Land Ho!

“I love seeing other documentaries. I saw a film that I loved called Sepideh. The access is extraordinary and the story construction is fantastic. It was very moving.”

-Jesse Moss, writer/director/producer, The Overnighters

“There were some things I really liked about Kumiko the Treasure Hunter and I got some good belly laughs out of the refreshing social satire Hits, David Cross’ directorial debut.”

-Daniel McGilvray, co-producer, Life After Beth

What was the most memorable moment at one of your film’s screenings?

“Our director’s father attended the first screening. I’ve known him for a number of years. He stood up after and made a long, impassioned speech during the Q&A. Everyone was moved.”

-Chad Burris, producer, Drunktown’s Finest

“This is geeky, but probably Lars Ulrich coming to our premiere. It was a dream come true to work with him and to be able to share this project with him and with Metallica.”

-Kat Candler

“The very first moment that the audience laughed (even before any dialogue started) and the standing ovation during our premiere at the Library. It was an immense relief that all the lines and scenes that we intended to be funny or moving actually were!”

-Mynette Louie

“At our premiere, there was a woman who, during the Q&A, raised her hand and shared with the audience that she has a 20-year-old son who has been addicted to internet gaming since he was 13 or 14 and has been in and out of rehab. She said that the biggest challenge for her was when he got out of the program and went back to regular life. It was a really moving moment and also shows how global this issue is.”

-Hilla Medalia, co-writer/co-director/co-producer, Web Junkie

“My subject had seen the film in private, and he was in such a difficult place in his life. I said you have to come and see the film with an audience to understand that there is a powerful message here and people will respond to it. So, for me, it was being able to share that experience with the man who trusted me to tell his story.”

-Jesse Moss

“At a Q&A following a screening someone from the audience asked the lead actress if she was pregnant. She was not. Awkward.”

-Daniel McGilvray, co-producer, Life After Beth

What was the smartest thing you packed?

“Good boots.”

-Chad Burris, producer, Drunktown’s Finest

“A pharmacy. I haven’t had to bust it out yet but I’ve got NyQuil, Zicam, DayQuil a lot of Aleve… whatever you need, I have it.”

-Kat Candler, writer/director, Hellion

“Multiple batteries for my phone. With all the press coordination, wheeling & dealing, and other activities, I used it a lot!”

-Mynette Louie, Producer, Land Ho!

At least two phone chargers. I kept one strapped to my person at all times. Then I saw a guy with one of those portable juice pack battery things and I starting seething with envy- I know what to bring next year.

-Daniel McGilvray

“It’s very dry in Park City. Hand creams and a water bottle.”

-Hilla Medalia

“My hat. It’s kind of like my blankie or my stuffed animal. I thought I’d lost it on the first day of Sundance and I was devastated. Not only is it utilitarian but it’s also a form of protection from the outside world or whatever pressure you feel.”

-Jesse Moss

Biggest thing you learned at Sundance?

“Don’t drink every time offered and don’t be afraid to leave your group to go nap.”

-Chad Burris

“To breathe. When we were here the first Friday, I thought I was going to faint. It was so overwhelming and so exciting. My whole family was here, my husband was here, and my friends and the cast and crew and I had to remember to just breathe and savor all of it.”

-Kat Candler

“At my first Sundance (with Children of Invention in 2009), I learned that the best way to maximize the experience/opportunity—for producers, anyway—is to go to as many parties as possible to meet as many people as possible. It’s a much more efficient way to expand your network than setting up individual meetings (which tend to get cancelled a lot anyway).”

-Mynette Louie

“It’s the best time to go to Park City if you want to ski, or so I’m told. I did not ski.”

-Daniel McGilvray, co-producer, Life After Beth

Best festival tip for first-timers? 

“Pace yourself with the alcohol, drink lots of water, get enough sleep, and if you’re a producer, have 1-2 others to help you coordinate everything. I am SO thankful that there are 2 other producers on Land Ho!, Sara Murphy & Christina Jennings. Between the press engagements, travel arrangements, party/screening/event coordination, and sales negotiations, managing our festival experience was definitely a 3-woman job! It’s nearly as intense as running a production.”

-Mynette Louie

“Come with a good team. Our sales agents, publicist, etc. – we were like a group. I think that was very helpful.”

-Hilla Medalia

“If you have a film there, get to your own party early or you risk it being full already. In fact, get to everything early.”

-Daniel McGilvray

“Just enjoy the moment.”

-Jesse Moss 

By Lee Jameson / Film Education Coordinator