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PARK CITY, Utah—After 18 features, 17 shorts, and loads of conversations, my 2009 Sundance experience has come to a close.

A scene from 'Paper Heart'

The emotions were vast. I laughed throughout films such as Paper Heart. I cried during Taking Chance. I learned via Reporter. And I was moved to my feet after Push. On Sunday's plane ride home, I reflected on my Sundance experience. Let me wrap up the journey via a few phrases that left their mark:

"So, what did you think?" Whether in class, a restaurant, or a crammed bus, it was hard to escape the most repeated question at Sundance: "So, what did you think?" The post-film conversations are not only some of my favorite memories; they are what gave space for transformation.

"Support independent film." While Sundance has championed indie filmmakers for over 25 years, one must ask: What really is an independent film? Should a film receive such a label when HBO has backed it from Day 1? Is it independent when a film gets developed at the Sundance Institute and "happens" to find its way into competition? While many would claim that anything made outside the big five studios warrants such a label, others wonder if the term needs redefining. I am for the latter.

A scene from 'Yes Men'

"All the News We Hope to Print."  While we stood in line for The Yes Men Fix the World, the directors passed out free copies of The New York Times to occupy our time. The front page headline read: "IRAQ WAR ENDS." Wha? Am I that removed from the rest of the world that I have missed such news? As I scrolled down the rest of the page, subtitles such as "Maximum Wage Law Succeeds" and "Treasury Announces 'True Cost' Tax Plan" prompted serious suspicion. Then I noticed a small disclaimer in the top-left corner: "All the News We Hope to Print." How (theologically) profound.

 "Moving on to other things." I can count on two fingers the number of post-film Q&As that did not reference Obama and the new administration. During the welcome at one of the premieres, one of the senior programmers commented: "Now that we have the new presidency behind us, we can now move on to other things." There is little doubt that the election played a crucial role in moving Sundance from criticism to hope. While the difficult subject matter was certainly present, there was a consistent layer of optimism from those who are often deemed cynical. Speaking of hope …

 "I'm a raging atheist." While I was sitting in one of the free internet lounges, the director for one of the shorts, Rite, happened to be in the room. I overheard her offer a free screener to someone in the room. And as I turned as if to suggest "How about me?", she inquired if I was writing for a publication. When I told her I was writing for Christianity Today, she shouted, "That's great! I'm a raging atheist!" We talked for a while, she gave her blessing of my presence at the festival, and then handed me her card. What does this say about the often touted secular/Christian divide? When a "raging atheist" is extending her hand to the Christian community, I think we have something to learn. I know I do.

A scene from 'Push'

"This Story Transcends." Winner of the U.S. Dramatic Competition award and the Grand Jury Winner, Push: Based on the Novel By Saphhire  follows the life of Precious Jones (Gabourey Sidibe)—an overweight high school girl from Harlem traumatized by her home life. After becoming pregnant from her father for the second time and daily verbal beatings from her mother, the nature of humanity comes into question. But as Precious maneuvers her way through the difficulties of inner-city life, the audience is drawn to her beauty that transcends physical features and circumstance. Director Lee Daniels made Push for the African-American community, but as the predominantly white screening audience erupted in an extended standing ovation, Daniels remarked in his amazement that the story transcends racial and economic diversity—consistent themes throughout Sundance. A must see.

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