Key Takeaways:
- The Sundance Film Festival is coming to a close, with several films generating buzz and attracting distributors.
- Notable films include "The Invite," "Josephine," "Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass," and "Chasing Summer."
- Director David Wain’s "Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass" premiered at the festival, paying homage to Sundance with its absurdist, cameo-filled comedy.
- Neon has acquired the worldwide rights to horror film "4 X 4: The Event," marking the first deal of the festival.
- The festival has featured a range of stars and directors, including Ethan Hawke, Salman Rushdie, and Billie Jean King.
Introduction to Sundance
The Sundance Film Festival is wrapping up, and the atmosphere is electric. With a high of 36 degrees on a sunny day, the mood is lively, and the anticipation for deal news is palpable. Although no major deals have been announced yet, distributors are circling several films, including Olivia Wilde’s "The Invite" and the critically acclaimed "Josephine." The festival has been a hub for fascinating stars and directors, with interviews and videos available online.
Film Highlights: "Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass"
One of the most talked-about films at the festival is David Wain’s "Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass." This absurdist comedy stars Zoey Deutch as a Kansas hairdresser who travels to Los Angeles to sleep with her idol, Jon Hamm, after her fiancé cheats on her. The film features a range of cameos, including John Slattery and Ben Wang, and is a giddy lampoon of "The Wizard of Oz." Wain’s film is a welcome respite from the jokeless anxiety attacks that often pass for comedy these days, and its silly, fun romp is sure to leave audiences laughing.
Film Highlights: "Chasing Summer"
Another notable film at the festival is "Chasing Summer," written and starring comedian Iliza Shlesinger. Directed by Josephine Decker, the film follows Jamie, a woman who returns to her parents’ house in a small Texas town after losing her job and boyfriend. As she falls back into old social dynamics, Jamie enjoys an affair with a younger man and possibly rekindles an old flame. The film is a surprisingly good match between Shlesinger’s bawdy humor and Decker’s explorations of female interiority, making for a funny and insightful movie.
The Making of "Gail Daughtry"
The world premiere of "Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass" at Sundance was a full-circle moment for director David Wain, who first introduced himself to the festival with Steven Soderbergh’s "sex, lies and videotape." Wain noted that he "overtly stole" two sex scenes from that indie classic as a tribute to Sundance. The film is an absurdist, cameo-filled comedy proudly shot on location in L.A., featuring many faces from Wain’s previous film, "Wet Hot American Summer." The cast, including Kerri Kenney-Silver and Joe Lo Truglio, emphasized the privilege of making movies with friends, and the benefit that audiences receive from their collaborations.
Deal News: Neon Acquires "4 X 4: The Event"
In the first deal of the festival, Neon has acquired the worldwide rights to horror film "4 X 4: The Event" from filmmaker Alex Ullom. The film follows eight contestants who join an illegal "sensory assault" livestream, where they can only harm each other with items they can buy online. The value of the deal was not disclosed, but Neon previously bought global rights to Ullom’s first horror film, "It Ends," after it premiered at SXSW last year. This acquisition marks a significant move for Neon, which is known for its bold and innovative approach to film distribution.
Conclusion
As the Sundance Film Festival comes to a close, it’s clear that this year’s edition has been a resounding success. With a range of exciting films, fascinating stars and directors, and significant deals, the festival has once again cemented its position as a hub for innovation and creativity in the film industry. As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, Sundance remains a vital platform for new talent, bold storytelling, and exciting collaborations. With its unique blend of artistry and commerce, the festival is an essential destination for anyone interested in the business of entertainment.
