ryan fleck

January is generally known as the repository for the studios’ least promising releases. January is also the MONTH OF SUNDANCE, where promising film projects are introduced to the public for the first time and some go on to acclaim, winning multiple awards. The rising cost of attendance, the difficulty in getting films accepted (over 14,000 apply, about 100 get a premiere), and the ever-lowering percentage of films picked up for distribution are valid challenges for fest attendees, critics, and filmmakers. However, Sundance still one of the best games in town for female filmmakers and filmmakers of color. Of the first 82 narrative and documentary features announced by the fest, 47% were directed by filmmakers who identify as women, and 45% who identify as people of color.