Acura is the presenting sponsor of this year’s Sundance Film Festival and they’re not just setting up a car in front of a movie theater and calling it a day. The Acura Festival Virtual Village will offer the film community and fans the opportunity to tune in for filmmaker and talent interviews and daily musical performances, and virtually explore the 2022 Acura MDX.
Due to COVID-19, many aspects of traditional Sundance programming will be able to be seen in movie theaters across the country rather than requiring industry enthusiasts to trek to Utah. Acura has partnered with a 21-year old auteur director and Sundance Institute 2020 Screenwriters Lab alumni Phillip Youmans to direct “Days in the Lab”, a new 30-second spot that will play for audiences prior to select 2021 Sundance Film Festival screenings.
On-set with “Days in the Lab” as it was filmed.Photo courtesy of Acura
‘Days in the Lab” was shot on Super 16 millimeter film and delivers the story of an independent filmmaker. The story was inspired by Youmans’ own experience as a participant in the Sundance Labs. These labs help storytellers further develop their craft in their through a variety of opportunities that focus on various aspects of the film industry.
“The filmmaking process is an emotional ride, but a gratifying one. With this piece for Acura, I wanted to follow the triumphs and tribulations of the creative process, something every artist can relate to,” said director Phillip Youmans. “Moreover, this piece stands for the idea that anyone can achieve their goals – no matter where you come from – with a little hard work and perseverance.”
“Acura, as a brand rooted in innovation, embraces new and creative ideas and we connect fully with the wonderful storytelling that Phillip captures in ‘Days in the Lab,'” said Jon Ikeda, Vice President and Acura Brand Officer. “Through our partnership with Phillip and Sundance Institute, Acura is proud to offer a platform for independent filmmakers and emerging artists to share their voices and showcase their creativity.”
During the 2021 Festival, Acura also will host a virtual premiere party for “How it Ends”, which was written, directed, and produced by Daryl Wein and Zoe Lister-Jones and stars Lister-Jones, Olivia Wilde, Fred Armisen, Helen Hunt, Lamorne Morris, and Nick Kroll. It will premiere on Friday, January 29 at 3 p.m. PST. The “How it Ends” cast and crew will be treated to pizza from a local Los Angeles restaurant, safely delivered in the new MDX.
Additionally, Acura and IMDb will present exclusive video content from this year’s Festival, sharing interviews and clips with film enthusiasts around the world. Entertainment fans can access coverage on the IMDb homepage.
