Dozens of filmmakers are rejected every year due to the exclusivity of the Sundance Film Festival, and out of the ashes of their rejection letters, Slamdance was born.
Slamdance is an underground film festival that runs around the exact same time as Sundance and is also taking place in Park City. The festival will run from Jan. 25-31 in Park City.
Slamdance is supposed to run outside the realm of Sundance, claiming on its website that the festival “lives and bleeds” by its mantra: “By filmmakers, for filmmakers.”
Filmmakers who were not accepted into the prestigious Sundance Film Festival decided to make their own festival where independent filmmakers can be showcased. Despite the underground ideology of Slamdance, some famous movies and directors have been associated with the festival.
In addition to the film festival, Slamdance also houses a screenplay competition and production studios.
According to the Slamdance website, Christopher Nolan, who is closely associated with the festival, made a special appearance for its 20th anniversary. Additionally, Oren Peli took his horror film “Paranormal Activity” to the festival, where it was screened and later became a blockbuster.
The festival itself seems to be a radical revolution against the mainstream film industry, where artists are often overlooked for having ow budget or any high-level connections.
For filmmakers it can be competitive for an award given to their film and a cash prize to take home. For others it’s an opportunity to dive into the true artist mentality of just being happy that their work is being seen by people who care to see it.
There are a multitude of awards that are given out. Most are decided by a jury, but there is an audience award as well.
The festival also sells tickets with a student discount. To purchase passes for the festival or to learn more about the festival itself, visit their website.
