Sundance 2021 Natalia Almada USERS Q&A and Group #MiniMovieReview
by Le Anne Lindsay, Editor (originally posted 2/27/2021)
I attended Sundance Film Festival for the first time in 2020 right before the Pandemic hit. (you can check out my Coverage From Last Year ) – This year for Sundance 2021, I am in the midst of moving my Mom out of her home into a Condo, a lot of work, so I didn’t apply for press coverage. However, I’m happy to have at least one film to highlight…
For Sundance 2020 I stayed with a group of fun strangers in a condo at Bear Hollow (about a 15 min ride to Sundance’s famed Main Street). The “Condo Leaders” were James & Monteen, two film enthusiasts. This year with Sundance being Virtual, James suggested we all watch a film “together” and discuss at the end. He generously supplied the virtual tickets and chose “Users” directed by Natalia Almada.
Ultimately, those who did join the Bear Hollow Roomies Reunion prior to the screening, did not rejoin us for the review – so it’s me, James, Monteen, and James’ brother Chris discussing our reactions to this unusual documentary. Our response starts at 31:52.
First is The Sundance Q&A with Natalia Almada, her husband and sound designer Dave Cerf, his brother and Director of Photography Bennett Cerf, along with Producer(s) Josh Penn and Elizabeth Lodge Stepp.
USERS Synopsis: With technology increasingly driving all aspects of our society, we are moving quickly toward becoming a “technopoly.” Using a visual essay documentary form we will explore the unintended and often dehumanizing consequences of our society’s embedded belief that technological progress will lead to the betterment of humanity. Is technological progress inevitable? Are we all increasingly isolated? Do we really have agency to direct its course? Is technology an expression of our humanity or is technology destroying our humanity? The film will be a critical and reflective meditation on these questions, using cinematic language that evokes the body and nature to counter the myth of technological progress. READ MORE
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Tinsel & Tine provides year-round free promotion, sparking conversations and awareness, celebration and reviews of the movie industry - from local indie shorts to international films/filmmakers, to studio driven movies/moviemakers. Mixed with a spotlight on Philly Happenings. #MiniMovieReview #PhillyCalendar
One Comment
James Pahl
Nice review on this strange, yet timely film. Although Chris, Monteen and myself aren’t seasoned movie critics, this was so much fun to be part of. I’m looking forward to collaborarting with you on future film screening events – maybe another Sundance Festival in the future?? Let’s hope this pandemic is under control and people feel comfortable gathering at large venues in the next year or two. Keep up the great work!