Sundance Volunteer Spotlight // Cheryl Soshnik
Cheryl Soshnik, had a unique first Sundance Film Festival experience. “One of those early years, a guy by the Holiday Village Cinemas stops me and says 'Hey, want to see a film for free? They're just getting ready to begin.' Those were the early days!”
She used to leave town to avoid the crowds but in November 2006 a Park Record article requested Sundance volunteers. “I decided 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em' and it was the best decision! I love being a volunteer and I love the Sundance Film Festival!” She volunteered for that 2007 festival, was named Volunteer of Year in 2015 and 2020 will be her 14th year. Locals and other ticket package holders might spot her at the pick up office handing out tickets and credentials.
She has seen changes and growth on all fronts; more films, more venues and many, many more people. Transportation services have improved and technology allows ticket purchases and waitlists to form 'online' eliminating the need to spend hours or even camping over night.
She admires the festival and all it accomplishes. “I am impressed with the quality of the films and their inclusion of marginalized groups in directing, acting, and topics. Sundance has been and still is THE premiere film festival, the one that all others strive to become. I can't say enough about the documentaries and the world films. They all show me the broad variety of cultures and life styles in this big world.”
According to Cheryl, she isn't great at spotting celebrities. The example she gave occurred prior to her volunteering days as she walked uptown. “This guy swaggered toward me like he owned the world. He was dressed in skinny black leather pants covering super skinny legs, and a black leather jacket. As we passed, I looked at him and thought 'hmmm, now I should know him, he's got a very recognizable face.'" She continued on to the post office where soon people came in gushing about seeing Mick Jagger.
Well aware many Parkites are not enthusiastic about the festival and some have never even attended. She has this piece of advice. “GET INVOLVED! Give it a try. Start by getting a wait list ticket for the free screenings for locals on "Townie Tuesday". Then wait list a film or two, see how easy it is to get into a film at the last minute. Go to the New Frontier, look at the future of film. But best yet, become a volunteer! You will meet and get to know some of the most wonderful people in the world who come in to be volunteers. You will be able to see films, go to the Music Cafe, and listen to the panels at the Filmmaker Lodge. I am the poster child for this. From leaving town in January to avoid Sundance to embracing Sundance fully...who knows, you might even get to be "Volunteer of the Year"!