How I learn about Sundance

Right after the Sundance Film Festival every year, Entertainment Weekly and other magazines always run those spreads with lots of small photos of actors and other key players from the festival acting goofy in "candid" shots. (See EW's Feb. 9 issue)

This year is no exception. But it's wrap-ups like this that provide info to most of the film-loving public about the highs and lows of the Festival. You'd have to be a close reader of newspapers and blogs to get a day-by-day account. So, if you haven't heard I'm happy to announce one of the most bittersweet stories from Sundance '07 was Adrienne Shelly's film Waitress. Shelly (at left in the first picture) is best known for roles in Hal Hartley's Trust and The Unbelievable Truth (1989-90); I was surprised to learn the Keri Russell-starring Waitress was her sixth directorial effort.

In November '06, Shelly was killed in NYC in a case originally thought to be suicide. The film's showing at Sundance was obviously a hollow triumph, but the film was bought by Fox Searchlight and will have a theatrical life. It will probably be some time before I get to see Waitress, but I hope the film matches its director's singular talent.