At Sundance

Light-hearted documentary about film and film-making made by one of the most versatile and original talents in American cinema. David Lynch, who produced the striking vampire film Nadja by Almereyda, said of him: 'I believe in his talent and his ideas. I'm very glad I can support him because I have the feeling he is one of the best American New Wave directors.' That's quite a compliment from someone who is himself regarded as one of the best American independent New Wave directors. Almereyda works with both the classic 35mm format (for instance in the beautiful black & white Nadja) and with the smallest and cheapest video format. He has made a reputation for himself by making stunning films with a Fischer Price pixelvision toy camera - in his technically innovatory work he certainly does not allow a small budget to stand in his way. In view of his background, Almereyda is the ideal person to talk about the state of affairs in cinema. The conversations in At Sundance took place during the 1995 Sundance Festival, the festival (and film institute) founded by Robert Redford in the wonderful mountain scenery near Park City. Almereyda, who cooperated with Amy Hobby on this film, spoke to e.g. Robert Redford, John Turturro, Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke.