The Stars Come Out For Sundance

The Sundance Film Festival begins this week with activities in Park City and other communities. It runs Jan 21-31.

Over the years, the festival has attracted many notable movies and stars. The Deseret News has this article about the history of the festival and the people who make it successful. Below are excerpts.

Ground zero for star central.

That's how one Deseret News reporter referred to the streets and sidewalks of Park City for the 10 days each January when the Sundance Film Festival captures the attention of the film world.

For more than a quarter of a century, independent filmmakers have been coming to Sundance seeking an audience.

Just last year, festival organizers expressed dismay about "the celebrity- and paparazzi-laden sideshow that's become a real distraction from the Sundance Film Festival," wrote Deseret News film critic Jeff Vice.

"In fact, Redford calls such behavior 'sad and unfortunate,' insisting that it detracts from the festival's true artistic intentions.

"But despite their best efforts, the so-called star-gazing continues to remain as big a presence as the films themselves."

Read the entire article.