Keepin’ it real

What happened to the Sundance Film Festival? Once a celebration of independent filmmaking, the event has become yet another place where mainstream celebrities pose for paparazzi while pushing their newest products—er, projects. Judging by the media coverage, this year’s highlights were spotting Jennifer Lopez, scoring a Kenneth Cole tote bag stuffed with $3,000 worth of promotional swag (given by the Sundance Channel as party favors) and shopping for “sheared beaver knit furs” with the likes of Britney Spears. If, for some odd reason, you’re interested in the actual films shown at Sundance, attend Frances Nkara’s screening of her short film Downpour Resurfacing on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Nkara will discuss her experience at Sundance, the creative process and what J. Lo wore on the slopes. Admission is $7. The event will be held at Studio Center, 915 Fee Drive. Call (916) 492-9003 for info.