I don’t usually get excited this early over Sundance films but I started to drool when a notice about White God crossed my computer. I had just finished tweeting about the new changes in breed ban laws in Utah and here is a movie about dogs taking over the world.

White God won the Prize Un Certain Regard Award at this year’s Cannes Festival for its modern day twist on Animal Farm. Hungarian filmmaker Kornél Mundruczó has created a staggering vision of dogs driven to rise up against their human masters. The movie used a cast of more than 200 dogs to depict everything from bonding with fellow street mutts to dramatic chase sequences as the dogs tear through the city. This certainly doesn’t sound like a Disney dog tale.

When 13-year-old Lili has to give up her beloved dog Hagen, because it’s mixed-breed and deemed ‘unfit’ by The State, she and the dog begin a dangerous journey back towards each other. At the same time, all the unwanted, unloved and so-called ‘unfit’ dogs rise up under their new leader, Hagen, the one-time housepet who has learned all too well from his ‘Masters’ in his journey through the streets and animal control centers how to bite the hands that beat him.

White God (Dog spelled backwards?) is a story about the indignities animals suffer by their supposed “human superiors.” It’s also a brutal, cinematic metaphor for the political and cultural tensions sweeping contemporary Europe.

It’s being screened in the Spotlight category (North American Premiere) Friday, Jan. 23, 9:00 pm, at the Salt Lake City Library Theatre, Sunday, Jan. 25, 8:30pm at The MARC in Park City and Saturday, Jan. 31, midnight at the Egyptian Theatre in Park City.

The rehearsal went well I think.

Chris Adler had posted on Facebook that he was looking for a woman in her 30s, cough cough, to play the mom in his 6-page script. Unpaid, festival project. Normally, I stay away from these general solicitations, especially if I don’t think I’m a match, so I suggested a friend of mine. Next thing I know I’m getting a personal invite from Chris to play the role and no he doesn’t think I’m too old! I’m a sucker for personal requests. It means I’m doing something right. Plus, I love helping friends out; and I love acting every chance I get. In fact, I don’t have money for those crowdfunding sites but if someone wants me to blog or act for support I’m all over it. (But please, please, don’t ask me to be an unpaid extra. I have to draw the line somewhere.)

We had a brief evening yesterday brainstorming with Chris about wardrobe, characterization and blocking but because we’ll be shooting in a different (i.e. creepier) space this weekend we could only do so much. It was fun to see Sadie and her daughter Skyler in their home. Sage and I run into them a lot at auditions.

Skyler Day. Photo by Sally Meyer.

Sadie’s like the perfect mom so it makes perfect sense to have her coordinating this shoot. She’s super concerned that 12-year-old Sky nails her character and it’s flattering that they look to me for advice. She’s doing great but she’ll need to know her lines inside and outside. The short film we’re about to roll on is basically one giant, twisted monolog for her. I get to sit in a chair and look terrified and tortured. My part is harder. J No seriously, how many people can actually relate to being physically tortured by their own child? Not to mention that if Sage tried anything like this I’d have her down on the ground in an instant. That’s why I was attracted to this Demon Chaser short. 

It’s not every day you get to put this kind of scene on your reel. I’ve died in three shorts (well, in one I wasn’t really dead) and one feature but I’ve never played a victim. It’s not in my nature. Hence the professional challenge. I was about halfway there during the rehearsal. A part of me didn’t want to give anything away. It’s hard to rehearse for a horror pic. You don’t want to lose the surprises and nuances that happen when the camera’s rolling. Tomorrow, you add the set, the makeup, the clothes and the intensity and voile you’re in the moment. At least I hope that’s the way it’ll be for Sky and me.

UPDATE:

So here’s how it turned out:

Photo Courtesy WME

Damn it, y’all! What’s the rush? It was just the other day that I was writing about the latest Warren Miller ski flick and now it’s not the latest. There’s a new one coming. Again. And whether you are a snowsports movie fan, you’ll want to get your ticket.

Warren Miller’s 65^th ski film, No Turning Back, is premiering here- in Salt Lake City- first!
The newest installment pays homage to the 65 years of mountain culture and adventure filmmaking that draws avid powderhounds back year after year. Already the orchestra section of Abravanal Hall is sold out for the 6 p.m. show, Oct. 18.

From beneath the blankets of powder in Niseko, Japan, to the top of Greece’s Mount Olympus, the French Alps, and the mom and pop hills of Montana, each location is sure to provide nothing but stoke. Our Utah resorts didn’t participate in the celluloid adventure this year but here are Utah locals Julian Carr and Sierra Quitiquit tearing up Montana.

You’ll also see Utah Olympian Ted Ligety shred the World Cup in Colorado, Ingrid Backstrom and Jess McMillan push the boundaries of the Alaskan Chugach, and JT Holmes and Ulie Kestenholz take flight high above
the Swiss Alps.

Utah Showdates are:
SLC – Abravanel Hall – October 18 – 6:00 & 9:00
Ogden – Peery’s Egyptian Theater – October 22 & 23 – 7:30
Park City – Eccles CPA – October 24 at 8:00 & October 25 – 6:00
Orem – XanGo Grand Theatre at SCERA – October 29 & 30 – 7:30

Presale tickets are just $16 ($20 after Sept. 21) and not only will your WM get you entry into the kickoff event of the winter but you’ll score TWO free lift tickets. One to Snowbird and one to Powder Mountain. There’s also a ski free deal at Steamboat and 20 percent off gear. Talk about your ROI.

Save $4 per ticket when you buy online through Sept. 21 and at select REI locations.

Btw, In honor of this 65^th annual event, Warren Miller Entertainment is doing a 65 day countdown with video from the last 64 films on Facebook.