BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN, MESA ARIZONA – Sundance started yesterday. I am not there. Last year at this time, I was experiencing Sundance for the first time. It was an interesting experience. I had lived in Utah for several years when I was younger. Can’t beat the Utah snow! Visiting Utah as a filmmaker was a completely different experience.

I read as much as I can about what movies are being picked up. Who is up there promoting and who is up there being promoted. It is, after all, a business. With the writers strike, I have thought a lot about the current state of the industry. I would imagine that those who have independent films ready to be distributed are finding a more captive audience than in years past. Hey! That would be US! Cool.

It would be kind of cool to pop up to Park City for a couple of days for the producers seminar or a couple of documentary panels. Last year, it was quite an education as I listened to filmmakers firsthand and watched what was being produced. With the availability of information in the media, I don’t have to spend the money or time to get to Utah to get the scoop; but, I also don’t get to feel the energy, encouragement and inspiration from other filmmakers. It is always fun to hang with those who share your interests. Last year, I said I wasn’t going back until I have a film showing. So it seems that I am keeping my word. I need to just shut up!