As we emerge from our post-Sundance haze, here are some fave films and memorable moments from the Film Independent staff who made it to Park City and back in one piece!

Which films made the biggest impression on you?

Whiplash is outstanding. I also enjoyed Obvious Child, which features some great female comics, and I was surprised in the best way possible by midnight movie The Guest.
-Lee Jameson, Film Education Coordinator

Whiplash was, by far, my favorite film I saw at the festival. Who knew drumming could be so thrilling?
-Maggie Moe, Director of Marketing

Boyhood. It’s the best movie I’ve seen in a while.
-Jose Tamayo, Membership Assistant

Imperial Dreams was a beautifully made and wrenching portrayal of life in the Watts area of Los Angeles. Great directing by Film Independent Fellow Malik Vitthal!
-Kelly Thomas, Producer in Residence

Rich Hill. I loved it. My mom grew up in small town Missouri and I spent a lot of summers there. They treated tough topics and the region with careful respect. The film was beautifully done.
-Kate Walker D’Angelo, Director of Institutional Giving

What was your most memorable moment?

When Craig Johnson presented his film The Skeleton Twins and recounted how he took his parents to a Sundance secret screening the night before and the film turned out to be Lars von Trier’s Nymphomaniac: Volume 1. His mom’s review of the film went viral.
-Lee

The Q&A for They Came Together when David Wain jokingly asked if there was time to go around and ask everyone in the audience what their favorite part of his film was.
-Maggie

Dancing with Stuart Murdoch of Belle and Sebastian at their show’s after party. NBD.
-Jose

The trailer tribute to Sundance volunteers was fun and inspiring. Kudos to the producers!
-Kelly

At the Film Independent party, Scott Hamilton Kennedy told our membership assistant Jose that he looked like a young Joaquin Phoenix and demanded he take a picture with him. Jose obliged and will be following up to make sure Scott’s Film Independent membership is current.
-Kate

What was the smartest thing you packed?

My iphone/ipad rechargeable battery pack.
-Lee

A bathing suit.
-Maggie

Advil and Pepto Bismol; for the mornings after.
-Jose

Phone charger.
-Kelly

Burt’s Bees chapstick and Advil.
-Kate

Any Robert Redford sightings?

Nope.
-Lee

No.
-Maggie

Unfortunately, no. But there’s always next year!
-Jose

Yes! Our party celebrating Film Independent fellows with films at Sundance was at Zoom and he was having a meeting upstairs just before it started. Josh Welsh had a closer encounter – you should ask him about it!
-Kate

By Lee Jameson / Film Education Coordinator