Erstwhile reserve of Robert Redford and his Park City, Utah chums, the Sundance Film Festival broadens its horizons by landing at the cultural vacuum that is the O2 arena for four heady days at the end of April.
Sundance London, which runs from April 26-29, brings 14 of the indie festival’s finest films to North Greenwich. Although ostensibly a film and music festival, Tricky and Placebo will be making appearances too, Sundance London is essentially a marketing showcase designed to spread Redford’s indie ethos around the world.
A suitably eclectic mix of films comprises the line-up, with effective top billing going to Julie Delpy’s 2 Days in New York. A follow-up to 2007’s 2 Days in Paris, Delpy’s comedy follows her character Marion back to New York where she’s happily shacked up with delectably named new boyfriend Mingus, played by Chris Rock. “Gallic mayhem” apparently ensues when her father, sister and her boyfriend impose themselves for, yes you’ve guessed it, two days.
Sticking firmly with the 48 hour theme, also on show is Shut Up and Play the Hits, a documentary that charts two frantic days in the life of LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy as his band play their final show at New York’s Madison Square Garden. This promises to be a moving and intimate portrait of the ramifications of Murphy’s decision to disband the group at the very height of their success. Shut Up and Play the Hits could be Sundance London’s standout offering.
Hot on the heels of her star making turn in Martha Marcy May Marlene, Elizabeth Olsen’s profile seems set to rise even further with Liberal Arts. This comedic-drama, written, directed and starring Josh Radnor, of How I Met Your Mother fame, follows Jesse (Radnor) as he ventures back to his old college where he falls for Olsen’s Zibby. Cutesy, feel-good fare awaits.
To check out the full festival line-up or to purchase its extortionately priced tickets, visit Sundance London.
crash/burn 
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