CNN Films honored 15 of their documentary films at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival by inviting entertainment executives, producers, directors, writers, actors and journalists to mix and mingle at an exclusive lounge on Main Street in Park City, Utah last weekend. Film industry leaders enjoyed a cozy escape that included comfortable couches with tables by the fireplace, private workplaces, a gourmet menu by Fletcher’s restaurant, and flat screen TVs broadcasting CNN.
After walking in the snow from Sundance event-to-event, the CNN Films Lounge was the perfect place to regroup, meet industry VIPs and talk business. Billy Holden, VP SAG-AFTRA Utah, was there asking actors about their films, roles and goals. It was one of Holden’s favorite stops at the festival, and he loved the chocolate chip cookie a la mode that was served in a hot skillet.
Inside the lounge, CNN Films displayed posters for their iconic films, including:
- “Dinosaur 13”
- “Whitey: United States of America v James J Bulger”
- “Ivory Tower” (is college worth the cost?)
- “Life Itself: The Only Thing Roger Loved More Than Movies”
- “Fresh Dressed: The Revolution Of Fashion Born On The Streets”
- “The Hunting Grounds”
- “Holy Hell: 22 Years Inside a Modern Cult”
- “Legion of Brothers: A Secret War Never Ends”
- “Trophy: Can Hunting Big Game Save Them From Extinction?”
- “RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg”
- “Three Identical Strangers: The Most Amazing, Incredible, Remarkable True Story Ever Told”
- “Apollo 11: A Cinematic Event 50 Years In The Making” (2019)
- “Halston: The Original Fashion Mogul” (2019)
- “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” (2019)
- “Scandalous” The True Story of The National Enquirer” (2019)
Some of the most recent CNN Films releases include “Halston” about America’s first superstar in fashion design and “Apollo 11” that spotlights the first walk on the moon 50 years later.
CNN Films SVP Courtney Sexton is currently on the 2020 Sundance Film Festival U.S. Dramatic Jury. This Jury will view all 16 narrative feature films in this category that include a “first look at groundbreaking new voices in American independent film”.
Sexton works non-stop with filmmakers to supervise the production of documentary films for theatrical release and distribution across CNN’s platforms. Since Sexton joined CNN Films, the team has acquired or commissioned over 45 original feature and short films. Some of her most recent work includes “RBG”, “Three Identical Strangers”, “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice”, and “Scandalous”.
Many thanks to CNN Films for this memorable brand experience, independent filmmaker support and great escape from the cold and crowds. And congratulations to all the filmmakers who are part of the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Out of the “record-breaking” 15,100 submissions, the Sundance Institute selected 118 feature-length films for the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.
