I’m pulling this out of comments as a post because I think it’s an important response. Thank you Tricia for taking time to write:

It truly is an honor just to be short-listed. And i agree, there are many great docs out there that did not make the short list, but they have been well recognized in other arenas, picking up awards all along the way. There is so much luck in all of this, but in the end, there are a lot of great docs, so getting into Sundance, winning an award, getting short-listed or nominated or even winning an Oscar, comes down to the individuals doing the voting and their particular tastes, and whatever politics exist within that voting structure.

So yes, I feel very lucky, and honored.

But in response to AJ Schnack – not all “issue” films should be discounted on face value as being dull and uninspired. My film is ostensibly about an issue, but it is really about people. It is often described as a love story, oddly enough. The “issue” in my film structurally was used as the obstacle the “characters” had to battle with in order to achieve their goal. There are no talking heads or anybody in the film anywhere teaching you what autism is. The film has a very basic three act structure. And any viewer who has seen it will also tell you that it is “more than a teaching tool” and is “entertaining” and although it is a pretty traditional verite doc stylistically, it certainly is a film that “reveals the human condition” and is completely story based, thus “rivalling a narrative filmgoing experience”.

Making documentaries is hard work, and usually thankless, and certainly does not offer any of us enough income to support ourselves — so let’s support each other. Sooner or later, if we keep making films, we’ll all end up on the short list.

Respectfully -
Tricia Regan
director/producer/cinematographer
AUTISM: THE MUSICAL