Sundance's distribution Kickstarter is a noble idea hamstrung by terrible backer rewards
Sundance Institute, the nonprofit behind the annual Sundance Film Festival, has come up with a new way to support young filmmakers who don’t want to sell the rights to their movies to major distributors.
It’s a Kickstarter. That’s not a terrible idea; in fact it’s pretty noble to step up to the plate for filmmakers who don’t have the same name recognition that Sundance itself has, especially when they might find it impossible to host a fundraiser themselves.
Sundance is starting the project with two films that were critical favorites at this year’s festival: 28-year-old Jennifer Brea’s debut documentary Unrest, and former internet supercut wiz Kogonada’s first feature, Columbus. They hope to raise $150,000 in 31 days, with the funds...