Power of Story: Independence Unleashed

Edgy stories, complex characters, distinctive voices, formal freedom…these were the hallmarks of independent film. But seeing creative opportunity in other forms, filmmakers have been spreading the wealth, looking toward serialized narratives – on television and online – that allow complex characters and stories to develop over time. Have mainstream outlets, once notorious for dulling the edge of “edgy” found room in their schedule for original auteur voices?

Capsule
Saturday, January 19, 3:00 p.m.
Egyptian Theatre, Park City
#PowerofStory
Ticket required

Edgy stories, complex characters, distinctive voices, and formal freedom…these were once the hallmarks of independent film. But seeing creative opportunity in other forms, filmmakers have been spreading the wealth, looking toward serialized narratives—on television and online—that allow complex characters and stories to develop over time. Have mainstream outlets, once notorious for dulling the edge of “edgy,” found room in their schedule for original perspectives? Join us for a lively discussion on the subject, featuring some of today’s best and brightest indie auteurs.

Jane Campion’s films include Sweetie, An Angel at My Table, The Piano (winner of three Academy Awards, including best screenplay), Portrait of a Lady, Holy Smoke, In the Cut, and Bright Star. Campion won the Palme d’Or in Cannes for her short film Peel and her feature The Piano.

Jess Cagle (moderator) is managing editor of Time Inc.’s Entertainment Weekly. He helped launch the magazine in 1990 and continues to play a key role in defining its voice. One of the most recognizable entertainment journalists, Cagle has interviewed Hollywood’s biggest stars and made television appearances on many major entertainment news programs.

Justin Lin earned his MFA in film directing at UCLA. His critically acclaimed Better Luck Tomorrow premiered at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival. He has gone on to direct such blockbuster films as Fast and Furious and Fast Five. Lin is a principal and founder of Perfect Storm Entertainment, Barnstorm Pictures, and the YouTube channel YOMYOMF.

Mike White is an American writer, director, actor, and producer for television and film, and the winner of the Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award for Chuck & Buck. White made his directorial debut in 2007 with Year of the Dog. He is the cocreator, coexecutive producer, and writer of the HBO series Enlightened, in which he also appears.

Richard Linklater has directed 17 feature films, including Slacker, Before Sunrise, and School of Rock, as well as the Hulu series Up to Speed.The recipient of a DGA award for his support of the arts, he is currently artistic director of the Austin Film Society, which he founded in 1985 and which continues to distribute grants to Texas filmmakers.