SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2012

Park City Begins Its Transformation

SFF, also known as the Sundance Film Festival which was conceived in the early 80’s by Robert Redford and takes place in several locations around Salt Lake City, Utah.  What started as a small event in 1981 at the Sundance resort has grown to epic proportions and has taken on a life of its own.  Over 500,000 people will converge upon Park City, Utah, the film festivals’ primary location now.  This sleepy little ski resort city comes to life in a way that mere words cannot describe.

Transformation of Park City Continues

Sundance is one of the most prestigious and well-known film festivals in the country, if not the world.  Movie stars, directors, producers, press, and movie-goers want to be a part of SFF.  It’s the day before the action begins.  The streets are closing down to make way for stages for bands to perform.   Jackets with bold white letters spelling “SECURITY” are seen all over.  Former photography studios and stores such as West Light Images are no longer there; but just for two weeks.  They are converted to new restaurants or places for stars to convene during the festival.  The town is in the process of being transformed into something completely different with just a kernel of Park City’s former personality.

Park City is my second home.  I am not a tourist here, yet I am not a full time resident either.  I know the restaurants, the manicurists, the managers of stores and restaurants.  Friends are easy to make here.  This is one of the most friendly cities I have ever had the pleasure to visit and make my home. Right before my eyes, it is becoming something different.  I can point out the tourists…they are wearing heels walking up Main Street.  You can’t wear heels walking in a mountain town without the absolute possibility of dislocating your ankle!  And platforms?  Please!  I may not look as stylish as the SFF visitors, but I can be assured that I will not leave here in a cast…unless I decide to go skiing!

Ryan Walsh

Walking into my favorite restaurant, Easy Street, to have a glass of wine at the bar with the fire burning in the fireplace and the live music pleasantly playing in the background was a perfect way to set the tone for the evening.  After a couple glasses of wine, my husband and I made our way to 350 Main restaurant; another favorite.  Yes, I have many here!  Dinner was spectacular and again, live music adding not just background but energy and the promise of more to come in the upcoming days of SFF!

Ryan Walsh played solo on guitar and sang hits from the 70’s and 80’s.  Walsh, a former member of the band Nik and The Nice Guys, plays just for the fun of playing.  To listen to some of the great music I was lucky enough to hear, I’ll post a link or a clip for you.  Enjoy!  And thanks, Ryan!  You were wonderful!

Next up…OPENING NIGHT!