The town attracts keen golfers year-round.
(Notable visitors include Barack Obama and Donald Trump).
Were not going with small were going with boutique.
Ania Trzebiatowska with Sands supporter Joe Russo and Stanley Tucci, who screened Big Night at this year’s fest.Robert Perry/Getty Images.
Its a boutique film festival, festival director Ania Trzebiatowska joked with Deadline shortly after the closing night.
DEADLINE:How did you get involved with this festival, and why was it an appealing project?
He really likes to support new talent and people doing their own thing.
DEADLINE:This is the second year of Sands.
What has the experience of running a festival been like?
What have you learned?
TRZEBIATOWSKA:Last year, I was still trying to figure out how to best fit into this community.
I was learning a lot.
And we werent able to bring some of the filmmakers because of the pandemic.
But this year, it felt so much different.
It made more sense to me how we need to market things and get information out to people.
So just knowing that kind of stuff was incredibly valuable to me.
Being aware of your limitations and restrictions is so important.
So just not forcing anything into existence.
Theres only so much we can do in the town.
I was aware of not wanting to bring too many films and people over three days.
Theres too much of everything as it is.
Im more interested in a curated experience where audiences feel they can trust our judgment.
I really dont care that much about premieres because were not that kind of festival.
DEADLINE:What are your plans for the future of Sands?
What is the end goal?
TRZEBIATOWSKA:For me, growth in terms of this festival doesnt mean size.
It means depth and meaning.
I know it will require time for the town to accept and embrace us.
Im happy to do it.
On the other hand, I think its slowly working.
Its important for me to create a community, and that takes time.
I didnt know anybody, and it was just so intimidating.
And this is why I also want the students to have this kind of support.
