Telluride Film Festival Goes On, Despite Anxiety Over Strikes
The New York Times The festival opened this weekend with fewer stars, who were wary of breaking union rules about promoting films while two strikes have shut down much of Hollywood.
Majestic vistas, burbling brooks and sanguine festival goers are the hallmarks of the Telluride Film Festival, a showcase for the most prestigious films of the year. But no amount of natural beauty can overcome the low-level of anxiety that coursed through this mountain town over Labor Day weekend. With dual strikes raging in Hollywood the writers strike just hit four months no one wants to appear out of step with these unprecedented times.
It was hell getting here, Julie Huntsinger, the executive director of the Telluride Film Festival, said in an interview. There was just so much anxiety and nervousness. Once the actors went on strike, all bets were off. I had to call up every company and say, Please, please, please, dont go away.
But according to Ms. Huntsinger, it went off without a hitch. The festival, long considered one of the preferred stops for films vying for Oscar consideration, both for studio-backed projects and independent films, received every movie it requested, including a handful of world premieres.
