Sundance?

I've been.

It's very expensive but it can be fun. If you are a wannabe
poking around the edges of the fest (it's very corporate and
elitist) it can be a little discouraging. Lots and lots of other
movie makers trying to make connections, too.

It's nearly impossible to get into any of the "good" screenings
or parties - the ones with the money people, experienced
producers and distributors. And if you do you are competing
for attention with fellow filmmaker who have film in the fest.

I've had more fun and made good connections at much smaller
festivals.

So "worth it" depends on what you hope to get out of attending.
What are you thinking might happen if you go?

Yeah i've heard the same thing. It's become very mainstream so it's going to be packed with people. Even though there are a lot of famous producers, directors and actors there, like directorik said, you would have to compete with a lot of people to get the right person's attention. Smaller film fests are much more intimate and less elitist. Plus, if you want to see the short films from Sundance, you can always watch them from their website.

well like get some networking connections, see some ideas, talk to some directors about auditioning, etc. director if not sundance what do you recommend what be a step down from that? thanks a lot