Wanna Watch a Sundance Film? Sign Woke “Loyalty Oath” (Or Else)

Conservative News DailyJanuary 20, 2023

Sundance Film Festival is struggling lately. But some of the injuries are self-inflicted.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the gala has been made virtual. Films that are traditionally shown at the festival have a harder time sharing their films with the general public.

“Call Jane,” A pro-abortion drama starring Elizabeth Banks debuted at Sundance last summer, but it was unsuccessful in theaters upon its Fall 2022 release. “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul” Similar attacks were made.

The rights to the former sold for $8.5 million However, the film only earned $2.5 million theatrically (the title premiered simultaneously on Peacock).

Last year’s Sundance screening of “Jihad Rehab” This led to a belated Cancel Culture disaster. What was the result? Festival officials apologized for showing a film that had received glowing reviews. The festival has become more stringent in its screening policy. so-called controversial films, as if a film festival isn’t the ideal venue for challenging art.

All of this may seem insignificant compared to the most recent revelation.

The festival starts today. Robert Redford’s vision An indie-minded movie experience in your mind.

That’s on paper, at least.

The Wall Street Journal reports that anyone interested in watching a Sundance screening online – this year’s event is both in-person and virtual) better pony up more than just a few dollars.

Gary Geipel, WSJ reporter says he tried. sign up via Sundance’s online portal Recently, however, he ran into a problem. He realized that virtual attendees had to agree to what he called a “a” agreement. “loyalty oath” to ensure they embrace the festival’s woke spirit.

The event’s “community agreement” includes several clauses, like virtual attendees must “avoid unwelcome sexual attention, harassment, stalking and inappropriate physical contact of any kind.”

They should also be aware of the spread COVID-19 (is this a soft vaccination mandate?). Geipel also shared how the waiver prevents intimidation tied to race, gender, position or wealth.

Is that to say there aren’t jokes about the famous and wealthy? “The Menu” couldn’t attend this year’s event, alas.

The message also included a name-optional reporting mechanism to spy on anyone who tries to flout these rules. Submissions will be taken seriously and reviewed by Sundance’s “Safety and Belonging” team.

Could they have chosen a more Orwellian title?

This is an online festival film viewing site. That doesn’t impact anyone’s pandemic fears, and it’s unlikely virtual audiences will be able to harass someone from the comfort of their couches.

Those who run afoul of the rules risk a ban from all Sundance-related projects.

What do you think about these new rules for Redford? The Hollywood icon is 86 and hasn’t availed himself to the public as he had in previous years.

How about directors, screenwriters, actors who participate in the gala every year? Are they aware of these new rules? Do they accept them or are they able to understand their totalitarian nature.

Sundance Film Festival was established in 1981 and is a strong part of Hollywood’s ecosystem. The current festival’s new rules, though, couldn’t be imagined during the festival’s early days.