| Before heading to the Sundance Film Festival 2010, I | | | | exfoliated and moisturized at one little shop and was |
| did a little research and educated myself on the facts. | | | | checking out hand-blown glass wine stoppers at |
| The Sundance Film Festival was started back in 1978 | | | | another, you really could spend an entire day shopping. |
| in Salt Lake City and was called the Utah/US Film | | | | Main street also has a number of eclectic restaurants |
| Festival. It was started by founder, Sterling Van | | | | to choose from. One special place was called Purple |
| Wagenen, who ran the company called Wildwood, | | | | Sage. This tiny restaurant was gorgeous inside with |
| which Robert Redford was affiliated with, John Earle | | | | candles lit throughout and comfortable, cozy booths. |
| and Cirina Hampton Catania, who both served on | | | | They took their food preparation very seriously and it |
| Utah's Film Commission. | | | | was a delicious meal. There were also a number |
| The goal back then was to create an interest in | | | | cafes, coffee shops, Irish pubs and sports bars to fit all |
| independent film-making. The festival was also a | | | | cravings. The most important part of experiencing the |
| competition with awards given out at the end and to | | | | Sundance Film Festival is to see some films that are |
| conduct filmmaker panel discussions so others could | | | | up for competition. With almost everything being |
| learn and inquire on the concept and creation of | | | | completely sold out, I was lucky enough to get a ticket |
| projects. In time, the festival moved to Park City Utah | | | | to a film called Winter's Bone, one of sixteen in the U.S. |
| and Robert Redford became the chairperson of the | | | | Dramatic Competition category. |
| event. Since then, Sundance has grown considerably | | | | Winter's Bone was shot in the Ozark Mountains of |
| and has drawn attention of celebrities and the | | | | Missouri and the story is centered around a young |
| paparazzi. Every now and then you will see a camera | | | | warrior girl who is on a mission to find her meth-making |
| crew running down the street looking for a movie star. | | | | father deep in the wilderness. It was fantastic. |
| While walking down Main Street, where most of the | | | | Everybody on the streets and in the cafes were |
| events take place, I passed by and was in the | | | | raving about this independent film. The story was |
| company of artists from all different genres. There | | | | intriguing, the actors were amazing and every frame |
| were film makers such as directors, actors, producers | | | | of the cinematography was beautiful. The film brought |
| and cinematographers, but also musicians, painters and | | | | some of the best artists in the business together and |
| sculptors at every street corner. Some of the most | | | | they created a masterpiece. In the end, Winter's Bone |
| creative people on the planet engulf this little city. They | | | | was awarded The Grand Jury Prize for U.S. Dramatic |
| are searching out others, just like themselves, to | | | | Film for The 2010 Sundance Film Festival and will |
| compare notes, rub elbows, learn and experience as | | | | hopefully be in theatres soon so everyone will be able |
| much as they can during their stay. This festival is the | | | | to see it. |
| perfect opportunity to get those creative juices flowing | | | | Throughout my Sundance 2010 experience, I |
| and be able to share ideas with people who can help | | | | developed a greater appreciation for artists and the |
| bring those visions to life. The weather in Park City | | | | effort it takes to create their vision. If you ever have |
| was cold and snowy most days, but that does not | | | | the opportunity in your lifetime, go and experience The |
| deter anyone from venturing out, in lots of layers, to | | | | Sundance Film Festival, you will not be disappointed. |
| shop an amazing collection of stores. I had my hands | | | | |