Sundance Evolves! (Finally)

I just read on Variety that Sundance Institute has added a new section called "Next" to the festival to showcase six to eight microbudget films. For a festival that is known (and criticized) for premiering Hollywood's nominally independent fare or films made by a small cadre of Sundance alumni, this decision is a real departure from the past. As funding and distribution options are disappearing for indie productions in the 5-10 million dollar range, lower budget, alternatively financed features are finding success by harnessing the power of the internet (see Arin Crumley's "Four Eyed Monsters" and Franny Armstrong's "The Age of Stupid" ). DIY filmmaking is no longer being looked at as the ugly ducking in a pond full of swans. The fact that Sundance has come calling shows that the swans are now looking for ways to be more like the duckling.  Not so ugly anymore!
All of this just goes to further prove that there is enough room for films of all types (and budgets) to coexist. You can find the Variety article here.