Sundance Film Festival Facts

Sundance began in Salt Lake City in August 1978, as the Utah/US Film Festival. In 1981, the festival moved to Park City, and was now held in January. The move from late summer to mid-winter was done on Sydney Pollack's recommendation, who thought that having it in a ski resort during winter would draw more attention from Hollywood.

This year marks the 32nd festival held in our little town and it is said to draw close to 50,000 visitors. In Park City alone, there is a dozen of movie theater that altogether can seat 4,635 people at one time. In addition, there are also 6 screening locations in nearby Salt Lake City and Ogden (2,564 seats) as well as Robert Redford's Sundance Ski Resort (164 seats).

The festival that just opened up last Thrusday night, January 17, will conclude on Sunday, January 26. The event provides a huge economic boost for Park City and the State of Utah that respectively should see a volume of business (lodging, food, transportation, among other revenue) respectively in the $50 million and $90 million range...