Lucy Shaw reports from The Sundance Film Festival 2014

Lucy Shaw, Research and Insight Executive, Digital Cinema Media, reports from the Sundance Film Festival and picks her must-watch movies of the festival.

Whilst an eight hour flight can't be described as my idea of fun (unless anyone wants to buy me a seat in First Class?) watching three films back to back is a great warm-up to the next two weeks. No, I'm not hibernating from the terrible weather with a Netflix marathon, I'm on my way to Park City, Utah, for the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, where seeing three films a day is all part and parcel of the experience.

The Sundance Film Festival represents the year's best work in independent film from the US and around the world. The range of films is enormous; covering intense drama, light-hearted comedy and thought provoking documentaries, there is something for everyone and every mood.

Films aside, for me, what makes Sundance special is the atmosphere. There is nothing quite like it, the whole town is taken over by film. Venues are created in high schools, leisure centres, even a synagogue. All film lovers are welcome, if you're in the industry or just an enthusiastic participant like me!

Even if I forgo sleep for the next two weeks I couldn't even scratch the surface of the 120 films on offer. The film guide is intimidating to say the least, but here are a few films that feature on my ever expanding "must watch" list.

I will watch anything starring Anna Kendrick. Even What To Expect When Your Expecting. And I'm lucky that this year she will be featured in two films. My pick would be Joe Swanburg's Happy Christmas where Kendrick stars as a young women returning home to live with her sister's family following a relationship breakdown during the festive season. If this is anything like last year’s release, Drinking Buddies, I won't be disappointed.

When something is described as an "indie-pop musical set in Glasgow" my immediate reaction would be to avoid. However, I'm intrigued by God Help The Girl. Written and directed by Stuart Murdoch, lead singer of Belle and Sebastian, who has brought the film to life over the last decade. If Sundance are willing to give it a shot so am I.

The plot of They Came Together, directed by David Wain, initially sounds like You've Got Mail set in the world of sweet-shops rather than book-shops. But starring Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler I think we can assume it's going to deliver more laughs than cliches. Being screened in the Premiere category, which typically features higher profile films, this could be a contender to make it across the pond in 2014.

As with all good festivals, there are bound to be a few hidden gems that I haven't even considered. Could it be Whiplash? Frank? Or will everyone be talking about The Raid 2? Who knows? I might have to fit in 4 films a day to see it all.