Many people think of Park City, Utah, the place I stayed for ten days to enjoy the Sundance Film Festival, as the little town in the mountains where Robert Redford moved the festival to. But remember about nine years ago? Where Salt Lake City and Park City were chosen for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games? I haven’t, considering back in 2004 I was in Utah for an extended amount of time and got to go to some of the venues like Soldiers Hallow where I learned to cross country ski for the the first and last time, and the Olympic Oval in Kearns, Utah where I went ice skating with a friend of mine (even though I am not a big fan of it).

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Main Street

There is a little bit of everything for everyone in Park City, that is during the Sundance Film Festival.  Where It is common for companies to take over various places on Main Street just for the festival. Main Street is a charming and unique street that although has some length to it is worth walking. During NON-festival hours the street is home to many a lovely restaurants, clothing shops, and various art galleries, etc. But when the big ol’ festival comes to town many of these little art galleries get turned into well, something a bit… louder.  Some one has to talk about and critique the nightlife! so I will take on that responsibility and let everyone know that the nightlife in my personal opinion is worth commenting on.

Queer Lounge Entrance

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We all have our own little obsessions, whether it be taking a shower everyday, using Purell constantly, knowing what time is it, or continuously drinking water. Mine isn’t as healthy as water-drinking or as hygienic as taking showers.  I have an addiction to caffeine. 

I remember how it happened. I didn’t have a sip of coffee or caffeine until late in my life; I mean high school of course. One of my friends started working at the local coffee shop. Let me tell you, this coffee shop, Cool Beans, is wonderful. It’s one of those well kept secrets that only locals know about. I was spoiled. My friend would make the best raspberry mochas, and soon I would only go if she was there. 

It is hard to find a good coffee shop now a days. Large corporations are ruining the name of coffee. Who actually wants burnt tasting coffee from Starbucks? Not I, said the cat. These shops are at every corner, making them extremely accessible and quick. This has become a problem, especially for someone with an addiction. (more…)

Geoff Gilmore Speaking at the Festival

I also attended the opening night ceremonies, and I did so with specific reason. I regretted going last year, but now that I think about it in retrospect I am glad I did. I tend to avoid the star-studded glamor personalities who show up for press and “indie-cred,” all in plentiful supply last year. I would even say it was somewhat so this time around. Luckily, I also avoided most of this by going to the second screening. Robert Redford went off to his party and there was little to no press at the second showing. Instead, I received a heartfelt speech given by the mayor of Park City, in which he not only applauded the festival, but also gave what he said was a rare political plug for the upcoming festivities on Tuesday morning, calling Barack Obama “the greatest president of my lifetime.” While he may have jumped the gun a bit on that one, they are having a jumbo-screen presentation of the inauguration right on main street. In addition to having a low key introduction, the movie was also not the usual opening movie.

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A few thoughts from some of the students who came to the festival in 2006 and 2008:

On why to go:

• “Sundance is not just about watching movies, traveling, or going on a vacation, but it’s about sharing an accomplishment.  It’s about sharing your love of movies with other people.  But most of all it’s about respecting the dreams that so many have worked so hard to pursue, produce, and accomplish, and that is why I am attending the festival.” (Emily Behrens, ‘08)
• “What draws me to watch an independent film is the fact that the film will touch me on some daringly real level….I watch independent films because there is a sense of truth that validates the lives we lead.” (Sharon Oegerle, ‘08)
• “Overall I am just hoping to see original and well made films that tell a great story while keeping me attracted to it without boring me.  And even if I don’t like any of the films I see I will still enjoy seeing how well these young film makers have done and to see what stories they have to tell.” (Bill Griswold, ‘08) (more…)