It’s Ben’s first time in Park City, and despite the freezing temps, he and Keith take to Main Street to kickoff the indie film calendar-year, exploring the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Man-on-the-street interviews capture the vibrant atmosphere as Ben & Keith seek intel and advice from filmmakers, volunteers, and festival-goers alike. Listen for candid encounters with Frank Mosley, Russell Wayne Groves, Su Kim and more — including a sneeze and you might miss it cameo from Conan O’Brien, who warns us all — ”Look out for the ice!”
00:00 Starting the Day: Leaving the Condo
00:08 Walking Directions and Weather Update
00:59 Discussing the Film Festival Experience
02:45 Exploring Main Street and Festival Atmosphere
04:28 Bird Watching and Film Festival Analogies
05:48 The Role of Sales Agents in Film Distribution
08:54 Navigating the Festival: Tips and Insights
09:23 Tunnel Walk and Festival Reflections
11:05 Interviews with Filmmakers and Attendees
20:01 Worlds Colliding at Sundance
20:25 The Impact of Social Media on Documentary Filmmaking
21:40 Excitement for the Future of Social Media
22:24 Meeting Industry Professionals at Sundance
23:00 Challenges in Indie Film Distribution and Financing
23:41 First Impressions of Sundance
24:27 The Importance of Optimism in Filmmaking
30:44 A Conversation with Su Kim
36:28 Wrapping Up Day One at Sundance