Since 1981, the Sundance Institute has been dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists and audiences. Originally founded by Robert Redford in the mountains of Sundance, Utah, the Institute is heading to London for the second time and we have a long list of films, music and discussions we are dying to attend. 

Here are some of our top picks of this year’s Sundance Festival in London:

MUSCLE SHOALS – Documentary

When Rick Hall got a call from Paul Simon requesting the black players that played on I’ll take you there by The Staple Singers, Hall said yes but explained that they would be 'a little pale'. In a time of severe racial hostility, Stacks Records helped some of the greatest artists, black and white, to create bestselling albums and iconic songs such as Mustang Sally and Wild Horses.  This extraordinary documentary tells it all, featuring incredible interviews with Keith Richards, Aretha Franklin, Bono and Alicia Keys.

THE LOOK OF LOVE – Film

Hailed as this year’s best Brit flick, the true story of adult magazine mogul and entrepreneur Paul Raymond (played by Steve Coogan) shows his rise to one of England’s richest men and, as he became known, the “King of Soho”. Through the movie you see Raymond push the boundaries of sexually morality in Britain, and bringing with it a litany of obscenity charges, a failed marriage, troubled children, and personal tragedy. We'll be watching for sure.

Images coutesy of Sundance Festival London 

There is something about the rain. From watching Gene Kelly sing and dance to Noah (not the one with the Ark) declaring his undying love to Allie, to an upside down kiss with a human spider, there has always been something about the rain that has captured people’s emotions. 

We love Random International 's installation at the Barbican that lets you experience what it would be like to control the rain. Using 2,500 litres of water over 100 square feet and new technology that responds to human sound and movement, visitors can walk through the rain and watch as it falls around them and stay dry. There are even some pretty astounding dance performances choreographed by Wayne McGregor (below). 

We're going to ask for the equipment so we can set it up in our office when they're finished with it, just for fun.

The installation runs until the 3^rd of March and entry is free. 

Picture credits: © Felix Clay. Random International: Rain Room, 2012. Courtesy of Barbican Art Gallery

Christmas, aka ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, might be behind us, but that does not negate our wish for snow. In London, there are certain times of the year that just make the city a little bit more special. A quiet calm descends over London as it is covered in a blanket of snowflakes. Transport issues abound and complex weather appropriate outfit choices have to be made, but you cannot deny the beauty of a city lightly frosted.

London image from www.inspiringinterns.com

It¹s safe to say that we¹re addicted to Etsy, and these iPhone cases help explain why. With an endless selection of vintage and handmade goods, navigating the site is a bit like going on a treasure hunt. And while we¹ve seen our fair share of funky iPhone cases, only Etsy could curate this selection of playful designs.

Images courtesy of Etsy.