You'd think that after attending the Sundance festival for half a decade that the excitement would wear off a bit. But somehow, even if it turns out to be one of the 'less than stellar' years, when Christmas rolls around I find myself thinking of snow (and how not to fall down on my backside in it) and anticipating discoveries to come.
Of course, you have to take the rough with the smooth. For every Moon (2009), there is a Moonshine (2006), for every Reservoir Dogs (1992) there's a Hounddog (2007) and for every In The Loop there's a film that's totally out of its tree.
How much a 'good year' is determined by the way the selection of films is made or whether it is simply down to luck regarding the number of decent films submitted for consideration, is up for debate. I'm inclined to think some years are simply blessed with more good films than others - after all, it's rare you hear of a hit film saying it was turned down by Sundance. Although, I could a few that have been.
Then there are the gems that play at Sundance and are never seen again - I'm thinking Journey From The Fall (2006) (still only available in the UK on US import DVD) or last year's Mary & Max (although that should finally make it to UK cinemas this year. And those that win awards inexplicably (no names, no packdrill).
So, as I contemplate another 10 days of the Sundance rollercoaster, here's hoping a few of you will take the ride with me - and, in no particular order, a few of the highlights I'm looking forward to, both on and off the screen.
1. Four Lions. Following hot on the heels of Armando Ianucci's coruscating dodgy dossier satire In The Loop, which was a hit at last year's festival, comes the debut feature from his erstwhile collaborator on The Day Today, Chris Morris. Never one to shy away from tackling big issues, Morris courted plenty of controversy with Brass Eye and he's surely expecting more of the same here since his comedy is based on a group of British wannabe jihadists. One to watch in the competition this year... and here's hoping he agrees to do some interviews.
2. Animal Kingdom - After a few years in the doldrums, and let's, please, not talk about the eponymous Australia, the land Down Under's filmmakers are starting to make their presence felt again on the world stage. Several excellent films have made their way further afield this year, not least, Samson & Delilah, which has made this year's foreign language Oscar shortlist. I've been watching one or two short filmmakers for a few years, Nash Edgerton (who filmed his accomplished debut noir The Square last year) and David Michôd. And since I got wind at 2008's Sundance that this, his debut, was on its way, I've been waiting increasingly impatiently to see it. Fans of Michôd - and it surely can't just be me - should note that he has also written Hesher, at this year's fest.
3. Next. Given how many ultra-low budget films there are out there, I'm crossing my fingers that the gods in charge of this portion of Sundance have picked well. Time will tell but, in any event, this marks a welcome return to championing the little guy - let's hope the class of 2010 are trailblazers.
4. John Cooper. Yes, The Big Cheese. He took over the helm from Geoff Gilmore this year and... well, the best thing with cheese is to give it a grilling - lame, I know, but work with me here, I'm typing this en route to Sundance and have been travelling for almost 20 hours, or maybe years, feels that way at any rate. Anyway, I have an interview slot with Mr C on Sunday when I hope to find out how his last year has gone and the direction he is hoping to take things in the future. If you have a burning question for him, drop me a line and I'll see what I can do.
5. Spotlight Surprise. Seems slightly odd to me for the title of a surprise film to be announced before the day... but what the hell, cutting edge and all that. It's going to be Exit Through The Gift Shop - a documentary about a French amateur filmmaker who tried to track down world infamous and anonymous graffiti artist Banksy, who, so the press release says, turned the tables on him. The film also, allegedly, features Banksy himself... but I bet his identity will be masked. In any event he's causing something of a stir down Utah way, where works signed by him, or at least purporting to be, are popping up in the Park City area.
6. The unexpected. I know, it's tough to expect the unexpected - and that's the beauty of it. Among the unexpected delights Sundance has thrown up for me down the years, were a chance meeting with Ed Begley, Jnr at a party but also more simple things, such as going to see a film with low expectations that blows you away.
7. The people. Surely as important to the festival as the films that screen here is the atmosphere that is generated. From the scores of volunteers, who perpetually wear a smile even when they've been standing outside in driving snow for four hours directing people to the right buses, to the filmmakers who take the time to chat on the buses zipping round the city, to the cinema fans, themselves, who flock to this welcoming but weather-fraught place in Utah each year. I count myself lucky to be along for the ride, too.
