The Sundance Film Festival of Park City, Utah, got it’s start in 1985 when actor and director Robert Redford invited filmmakers to gather on the mountain. The event gained momentum and now draws tens of thousands of people to the snowy location for 10 days of movie viewing.
Home to the 2002 Winter Olympics, the location has gained international notoriety for it’s world class skiing. For 22 years it has also been host to film makers and actors from around the globe who gather to preview each others works and enjoy the party scene.
The event pits available films and potential buys. Three that are drawing strong interest from distributors this year are Sunshine Cleaning, staring Emily Blunt and Amy Adams; The Wackness staring Ben Kingsley and Mary-Kate Olsen; and Michael Keaton’s romantic fable The Merry Gentleman.
Independent films like Shine and Little Miss Sunshine became mainstream hits after previewing at Sundance. The festival has proven to be a launch vehicle and so they come in droves to participate and be judged by others.
Premiere screenings take place at 3pm, 6pm and 9pm each day in multiple categories. Large parties are thrown by the production companies and filmmakers, hoping to attract the rich and famous who flock to the yearly event.
E! has given us a small glimpse of the planned activities. Paris Hilton will be showcasing her new movie, The Hottie and the Nottie. Though not an official entry at the festival, she is throwing a bash on Sunday at Bon Appetit Supper Club.
The Outfest Queer Fest will be holding it’s 12th annual brunch on Sunday. The guest list includes Sharon Stone, P. Diddy Combs, Quentin Tarintino, Kirsten Dunst, Winona Ryder, Ellen Page and Dennis Quaid.
We’ll be sharing photos from the event and keeping you posted throughout the entire run of this years event.