Dispatches from Sundance: Awards, Swag, and Parties

By: Jon Korn

It's been a remarkable six days here at the 2012 Sundance film festival: I've seen amazing movies, met fascinating people, and eaten more canapes than you can possibly fathom. (I can spot the difference between a goat cheese tart and a feta puff pastry at 30 yards.)

One of the most exciting developments has been the runaway success of Benh Zeitlin's feature "Beasts of the South Wild", which was acquired by Fox Searchlight on Monday. As I've mentioned before, the film was a two-time recipient of grants from the SF Film Society.

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The short film awards were handed out last night at the annual bowling party, where even those who don't walk away with a prize can still win a frame or two. The Grand Jury Prize went to "Fishing Without Nets", Cutter Hodierne's dramatic narrative told from the perspective of Somali pirates. I got to hand him a novelty-sized check during the awards ceremony, thereby fulfilling a lifelong goal.

Now to the real stuff: parties and swag. So far my favorite promo item by far has been this Luther Campbell whoopee cushion, handed out by the crew behind the incomparable "The Life And Freaky Times of Uncle Luke."

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As for parties, while I missed last night's reportedly epic James Murphy DJ set, I did managed to get into the most exclusive venue in park city, at least in terms of capacity. I speak of the RVIP, a tricked out RV that boasts a bar, a photo booth, and—most importantly—a karaoke system.

Never has Lionel Richie's "All Night Long" held such deep meaning as when I sang it to 35 people crammed into a tiny metal box.

Jambo, jambo indeed!