The Slamdance Starts Thursday

The always great Slamdance starts this week, and we are better for it.

What was once the punk little brother of Sundance has moved from Park City and is now living in LA where for the last year plus it has been trying to take over Hollywood.  It’s been largely successful and now we get to explore the fruits of its labors.

Slamdance was even more inde than Sundance. Slamdance was where the truly independent filmmakers went to show their wares. These were and are the films with rough edges and raw mentality that don’t gloss over their feelings but show you what is going in the world and in the hearts and minds of the filmmakers. Even when it was running at the same time as Sundance, I leaned into Slamdances slate because it was and is way more interesting.

In years past I would try to see everything however, since the move to LA that isn’t possible there are too many films to comfortable do so. Yes, I have seen a great number of films, but at the same time I have way too many too go. Truthfully, I’m so swamped that I’m being forced to do brief reviews for too many of the titles.

I need to point out something important- which is that Slamdance has an online component and for the not large sum of 50 bucks you can see everything in your living room. That’s right for 50 bucks you can see it all. It’s a killer price to see a couple hundred killer films. (For information go here)

As the embargoes drop reviews will appear as fast as I can get them up. I will review as much as I can.

I do have to say, with many apologies to the filmmakers, that I will not be reviewing all the films, particularly the shorts, that I have seen. I've watched a very large number of them and many are difficult to write up (this is particularly true of the animated films). I do not want to do them any disservice so I will not be mangling my thoughts on their wonderful merits or reducing my feelings to a simple statement of "this is good" or "recommended" or something snide just to make you laugh. I'm simply leaving some films out, in part not to say something that could be a disservice, but more that is I revisit a film down the road (which is always a possibility because I cover festivals)  that I will ngive the film a second shot and may find the words the next time out. I know this goes against my policy of if I see a film at a festival I will mention it, but this year it's simply not possible.

I have no idea how many films I've seen but the MUST see films (so far):

MURPHY'S RANCH two unexpected and truly perfect performances make this a film you'll want to see expanded...which may happen soon. Seriously this film has a buddy combo for the ages at the center.

INEXCHANGE FOR FLESH is a tough look at sexual abuse in prison

STANDING STILL is a look at how the the wild fires in plasces like California are poisoning the homes that were lefy standing thanks to smoke residue

BRAILLED IT i film for people wih limited sight made by people with limited sight

BRB - a wonderful portrait of two sisters on a road trip

And there are more- but this will get you started.

Do yourself a favor and wade into the cinematic goodness.

For tickets, virtual access and more go here