An interview with a Sundance attendee

Did a really interesting interview with a good friend of mine the other day regarding Sundance and what makes it so special. Her answers were interesting as they definitely second what I have been thinking for years: That UT is undergoing a fundamental shift in the way it views itself, brought on by an influx of new culture due to the economy. UT as a "place" has shifted from where it was even a short 5 years ago, becoming more diversified and accepting of new culture than it ever was before. Utah's "place" identity has become a mixing pot, as the cultures attempt to identify and cohabitate with one another. Anyways, the interview:

Interviewed Jenna O.

Q: How many times did you make it to Sundance?

A: I went 8 times, and really wanted to go more, but with work it was difficult. 

Q: Did you enjoy it enough to attend again?

A: Yes, for sure. But next time I think I will plan enough in advance so I can not work during the festival, and be able to attend every day.

Q: What was the best thing about being in Sundance?

A: I really enjoyed the diversity of people who attend. In Ut we pretty much just see the same type of people everyday. Not growing up in Ut makes me miss things you don't find here, especially people. Sometimes it seems like everyone in Ut is cut from the same cookie cutter.

Q: What cookie cutter would that be?

A: Well the religion and the culture derived from that religion tend to turn out unvaried regularity of people, whereas outside of Ut people are a lot more variable.

Q: Did you notice any tension between locals and festival attendees from out of state?

A: Not really, everyone seemed to be having a lot of fun. I've heard that some locals won't attend since the festival supports actions that are not within the confines of their religion, but I didn't really see that there, or maybe the locals who do attend are more open minded.

Q: What was the best event that you attended?

A: I really enjoyed the Nas concert at the Sugar bar. There was an amazing crowd who were really into the music, and Nas did several songs and seemed to really enjoy himself.

Q: What were the good things you saw?

A: I think the awesome snow we had really added to the atmosphere of the festival, and everyone really seemed to dig the amount of snow.

Q: And the worst parts?

A: Parking was really difficult. Like every parking lot was full, even the really expensive ones that were $20-30. And the food and drinks at the clubs were pretty expensive too.

Q: How do you feel Sundance meshes with local Ut Culture?

A: I think it goes along really well. At least with the new Ut culture. 10 yrs ago, Ut was very different, but it has kind of mellowed out and become more accepting of diversity since then. 

Spent virtual Thursday collaborating with two of my group members, Adrian (http://adriandeprima.blogspot.com/) and Jared (http://jaredlnorman.blogspot.com/) Together we may have this project licked! We divided up how we wanted to attack the presentation and what specifically each will cover. It was good to hear what their reactions are to the festival, the people, and why it's so important as a "place" in UT, and the world. My aspect will be the "a" fect the festival has on the people from outside of UT that attend, as well as their relationship with volunteers from the festival, and the locals.

To be an ethnographer...

To be an ethnographer means to attempt to capture the emotional aura of a "place" and endeavor to translate that into a medium easily understood by your audience. Whether through writing or visual method, ethnographers convey what makes a "place" important and essential to the culture of the time.