Kickstarter’s Invaluable Presence at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival

From nine films in the official roster to a lodge that welcomes queer filmmakers and more

When considering the various ways Kickstarter has changed people’s lives, one doesn’t necessarily think of the Sundance Film Festival first. And yet, not only are there nine Kickstarter-funded films in the 2019 Sundance roster (selected from a record-breaking 14,259 submissions), altogether there have been 123 films propelled from the crowdfunding platform to the prestigious festival (itself one of the most notable launchpads in cinema) since 2011. Moreover, the film division of …

Premiere: “Ngwa” by Blick Bassy

Bassa vocals and a stunning, narrative-driven music video dedicated to anti-colonial leader Ruben Um Nyobé

An ode to Ruben Um Nyobé, the anti-colonialist leader of the Popular Union of Cameroon, Blick Bassy’s latest track grapples with the telling of a historic tale. Sung in Bassa, Bassy’s ancestral language, “Ngwa” reclaims an important moment for Cameroon and does so with the utmost beauty and honesty. As the narrative (usually told and taught from the opposing, French perspective) unfolds amidst the spectacular natural landscapes of …

Perfume Genius + Empress Of: When I’m With Him

Reworking her original version of “When I’m With Him,” Empress Of (aka Lorely Rodriguez) has teamed up with Perfume Genius (aka Mike Hadreas) and on this dreamy and dramatic version, he takes lead vocals. While it’s technically billed as a Perfume Genius cover, it’s a duet—aided by production from Jim-E Stack, who also worked on the original. Moving away from the midtempo, bilingual iteration, this new take is a soaring …