A group of 10 Point Loma Nazarene University students has traded the sunny San Diego beaches for the snowy sidewalks of Park City, Utah. For the next week, they will spend their time watching never-before-seen films, attending directors’ panels and immersing themselves in the independent film world at the historic Sundance Film Festival.
The PLNU students attending are part of the one-unit Sundance Film Festival course taught by media communication professors Nathan Gibbs and James Wicks, and their excitement is palpable.
“I’m so excited; I haven’t stopped thinking about it,” Liam Sherrill, a third-year media communication major who will be attending Sundance for the first time, said.
The opportunity was mentioned to Sherrill during orientation in his first year at PLNU. Now, in his final semester, he said he is equipped with the language of film and is eager to experience Sundance firsthand.
Sherrill is a self-proclaimed movie lover and said he is excited about being surrounded by those who have a similar passion — something he believes will enhance the movie-watching experience.
Ainsley Brigham, a fourth-year philosophy and media communication double major, is returning to Sundance for the second time and said her love for films also attracted her to Sundance.
“The idea of being in one place, surrounded by people that have the same common interest, you’re all there for the same thing,” Brigham said. “It’s just this sense of ‘nerd-ery’ that is so unmatched.”
Brigham’s first experience at Sundance last year left her with lifelong memories. From film screenings and creative panels to meeting directors while waiting in long lines, she said that the experience was unlike anything else.
“Going back felt like less of repairing an experience and more like continuing a conversation,” Brigham said. “There was just so much that left me thinking last year,”
Julia Fase, a fourth-year media communication major, is returning to the festival for the third time. For Fase, the Sundance program was one of the major factors that led her to apply to and attend PLNU. She said the festival fosters a welcoming and creative atmosphere.
“No matter how old, or young, or experienced, or not experienced–everyone feels like an equal,” Fase said in an email interview. “We can all inspire each other.”
In addition to the collaborative atmosphere, Fase said that she is excited about the possibility of encountering major stars, including Natalie Portman, Dave Franco, Jenna Ortega and Charli XCX.
This year marks the last time both the stars and PLNU students will travel to Utah for Sundance, as the festival is set to move to Boulder, Colo., next year. The move marks the end of an era in Park City and will be the first Sundance since the death of actor Robert Redford, one of the festival’s founders.
Brigham said the move feels bittersweet. While it is sad to see Sundance leave Park City, she said Boulder has more capacity for both films and attendees. At the end of the day, she said, it is the community that matters most to her.
“The festival is really made of the people – the filmmakers, creatives and students that come together just ready to engage,” Brigham said. “I think if that spirit can stay, then the festival can continue anywhere.”
For Sherrill, attending the festival as the curtains close on Park City makes this year feel especially historic, and something he will talk about for the rest of his life. Even before setting foot in Utah, the festival has already inspired him.
“I, having not even gone yet, would recommend it to anyone,” Sherril said.
