Andrea van Beuren, newportFILM co Founder and Artistic Director, answers a few questions about her 2022 Sundance Film Festival experience.
Sundance went virtual again this year, what did you miss about being in-person?
For sure what I missed most about being at Sundance in person was the shared experience of watching films with an audience. I also missed the energy, the anticipation before each film, being able to connect with filmmakers, producers, distributors over coffee, between screenings and at parties.
What were some of your favorite documentaries from Sundance?
Of course I loved the US audience favorite Navalny (CNN/HBO). Also really enjoyed Fire Of Love (NatGeo), Phoenix Rising (HBO), Lucy and Desi (Amazon), Mija and Jihab Rehab (ghastly title and very controversial film but fascinating subject).
Was there an overarching theme to the documentaries this year?
There was broad representation, many voices. An undercurrent of social justice ran throughout (Riotsville, USA (HBO), Descendant, Aftershock, American Dream and Other Fairytales, The Janes (HBO) and there were really only one or standout titles that focused on the environment (All That Breathes and The Territory). Pure entertainment popped up its head in The Princess, The Calendar Girls and My Old School).
What are you excited for in 2022 for newportFILM?
First and foremost I am thrilled to be working side by side with our new Executive Director, Cathleen Carr. Cathleen is clearly an intellectual powerhouse and is already thinking strategically about how we can expand our reach and influence within the local community and beyond Aquidneck Island.
I am cautiously optimistic about summer 2022 and look forward to the possibility of bringing filmmakers and industry press back to Newport.
What do you hope to bring to the nF audience this year?
I look forward to joining together again as a community and creating a shared experience around documentary film.
