Blogging about the 2010 World Cup in South Africa got me to thinking about another event I’m looking forward to… Sundance 2008, to be held on January 17-27, 2008.

It should be no surprise to you that I am a foreign and indie (true indie) film buff.
I love artistic, well-made films! That’s actually why I moved to L.A. - to sell my screenplays to quality producers, or simply produce the films on my own.

Has it happened yet? Well, I’m working on it… I’ve got the connections covered; it’s being satisfied with my own material that’s the problem. I’m a wicked perfectionist. ;-)

The greatest thing about being a writer is you can write at any age, looking any which way - fat, skinny, wrinkled, gray, beautiful…

No one cares how old a writer is or what they look like. If you only knew how many times I have blogged with hot rollers in my hair and a facial masque on, even wearing mismatched socks in bed…

So even if I finally crank out my script when I’m 60, so be it! Besides, my writing mentor (whom I thoroughly respect and admire) will kill me if I don’t complete my screenplay; so I do know this has to happen someday.

But yet again, I digress.

I can’t believe that I still haven’t gone to a Sundance film festival! Even when I was working in the thick of the entertainment industry and had all kinds of opportunities to go, my schedule just never permitted it.

I am DETERMINED to make it to the 2008 Sundance film festival in January.
Come heck or high water, I’m going!

I have friends who have flown to the festival in snowy Park City, Utah each year and they make a whole week out of it. I hear it’s a great, good, fun time!

Screenwriters, Producers, Directors: Here is a page on the deadline for submissions to the festival. Registration opens this coming Monday, June 25th. I wish you tremendous luck and success with your film(s)!

Here is the official page on Sundance’s 2008 festival.

Travelers: Here is Sundance’s informative page on lodging and other tips for having a blast when you fly in for the festival. From planning your trip, to getting around the area, even to “Sundancing” on a budget, you’ll find a wealth of information on the Sundance site.

Note: Now is a good time to start booking your travel and lodging reservations, as Park City gets crazy the closer it gets to festival time.

Here is a link to Sundance’s official lodging provider.

Who can resist skiing, cozy bistros and bungalows, quality films, and hot toddies?
Not me!

I say this with emphasis: If you’re unhappy with what Hollywood has been cranking out, quit your whining and take the time to explore independent, artistic, and foreign films, and you will discover a whole new realm of entertainment. Explore your neighborhood indie and foreign film houses, and modify your NetFlix film preferences. Or dag, go see a play or a live musical for a change. Hollywood is NOT the only source of entertainment!

ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS!