The Circuit

Telluride has jumped from Apple to Dell.  The fest announced that a new computer giant will be its presenting sponsor after its three year relationship with Apple ended.  Dell will provide significant resources and financial support to the 35th event including special events, receptions, and the Dell Lounge, a gathering place for filmmakers. 

Telluride managing director Julie Huntsinger said "Dell's desire is to be a new creative face on the computer scene." 

She also acknowledged that sponsorship of the famously strict film festival has rules. 

"Sponsors understand they have to walk to walk. It partially comes from the town, whose goals and ideals intertwine with ours.  We're never going to become a 'Brought to you by' festival."

True to form, signage for Dell will be minimal around town.  While the company will be mentioned before each screening, the only way audiences will know that Dell's theater is the Opera House will be a simple placard outside.  Nothing is bigger than the festival signs, advertising nothing more than a "SHOW."

In this deepening recession it's refreshing to hear Telluride has found a company that's okay with its restrictions. But having just been forced to make the migration to PC from Mac, I feel deeply sorry for their IT guy.