There’s a strange phenomenon that happens at Sundance : people talk to each other! I mean, immediately. You get in line, get on a shuttle, sit down for a film, and right away you’re talking to someone. Everyone wants to know what films you’ve seen and what you thought, why you’re here, what’s your story.. It’s amazing.
I know I posted earlier about the negative or ridiculous interactions that I’ve witnessed, but most of time you just chat with friendly strangers from all around the world. It sounds like Sesame Street, but that’s really how it goes. I love this dimension of the festival because I usually want to jump into other people’s conversations, and here I have free license! Oh you want my opinion on that movie?! Don’t mind if I do!
So, last night, while waiting for Casino Jack to begin, I was talking to the couple next to me, as you do. The woman (let’s call her Jane for privacy’s sake), was a volunteer, so I grilled her about how the whole volunteer system works (which in itself was fascinating to me, maybe because I was slightly intoxicated, who knows).
Her partner chimed in while we were discussing how many free passes volunteers get (broken down by hours worked, fyi), and he said, “Unless you’re Volunteer of the Year, then you get this pass” —shows me her badge with the words Express A printed boldly, Jane’s full name and glowing ID photo— “which gets you into any screening, any time, any day.”. My jaw was freely hanging. What?? I just met the greatest volunteer of 2009?? AMAZING.
Jane was pretty shy about it, claiming she didn’t see it coming. And I believe her, but you could tell she was enjoying the all-access badge. I immediately started praising all the volunteers I witnessed diffusing situations and maintaining their composure with the demands of rabid movie-goers. She accepted my words on behalf of all the volunteers like a benevolent queen.
