Short film lovers and filmmakers will be singing the praises of the accomplished writer and entrepreneur Allen Moldanado (ABC’s BLACK-ISH) soon as he has developed an app called “Everbody Digital.” Moldonado says, “It’s the only home for short films” and he believes “...that it will change the landscape of the film industry as we are bringing back to life all of these short films that have died after the film festival circuits...” Listen to our interview and watch for the launch of “Everybody Digital” in March, 2017.
While parties sprang to life all over Park City during Sundance, sometimes just watching the red carpet and then hanging with the stars for some real conversations creates a great night. WGN Underground hosted a spectacular soirée at the Riverhorse on Main St. with the stars Aldis Hodge and Jurnee Smollett-Bell from the hit series now in its second season, as well as John Legend, and cast members from “Novitiate,” “L.A. Times,” “The Incredible Jessica James,” and “I Don’t Feel At Home Here Anymore.” With delectable delights, candid conversations about our world today, and on a lighter note, a DJ that almost made me dance, it was a party for everyone to shine!
Political uncertainty hung over Sundance attendees like a cloud ready to burst, from red carpet interviews to acceptance speeches, but it was the Women’s March on Main St. that brought actors, directors, and regular people together of all ages and genders to support equality and human rights. The March may have deterred film-lovers from seeing movies and clogged up traffic for miles around, but from my perspective, it was worth it. Finding positive messages of love and acceptance gave me an overwhelming and empowering experience. Although Sundance did not sponsor this event, it became a critical part of the overall Sundance experience.
The Sundance Film Festival is obviously about films, but at its core is independence. And with independence comes diversity and the courage to speak out and speak up, supporting and helping one another. Now that’s the Sundance experience.
ADAM SHAPIRO (LA Times) WGN UNDERGROUND Party
John Legend and Aldis Hodge WGN UNDERGROUND Party