The Utne Reader passed along some bad - and illegal - advice, and the Sundance Film Festival called the reputable journal on it.

The Utne Reader posted an item Friday with the title "Sneaking in to Sundance." It linked to a Canadian 'zine, Broken Pencil, whose "Summer How-To Issue" included tips for sneaking past the volunteers at a film festival.

The Broken Pencil writer, Fiona Clarke, suggested such ideas as creating fake credentials (acting important helps avoid scrutiny of your lamination job) or disguising yourself as a tradesperson. (Alas, the Broken Pencil web site does not include the full article.)

The Utne blogger, Elizabeth Ryan, added a warning that there are penalties - besides getting thrown out - that make such subterfuge not worth the trouble. She ended with, "While events like Sundance can spare a few lost dollars, your local film fest probably can’t."

It's that line that brought out Sundance's justifiable wrath. The first comment on the Utne post came from Sundance press person Brooks Addicott:

"I cannot imagine that Utne condones stealing - it is illegal is it not? In any case, Elizabeth Ryan is wrong on one count: contrary to public misperception Sundance Institute is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)status organization. The Sundance Film Festival is our annual fundraiser; its proceeds support the year-round efforts of the Institute to support independent artists in film, theatre and film music. We cannot afford to spare a few lost dollars - especially when those "lost" dollars are stolen."

Labels: Sundance