OCR Text |
Show nn w11 y n- ntw y ni fyif jjp '' i JJ jni yi y yy rP n jf y "" 1 ' yy ym y g jpooi) ,c,ppj U.S. Festival Showcase for Independents By Terry Orme Tribune Staff Writer Although it turns five years old this year, the United States Filin and Video Festival is, in many ways, still coming into its own, still finding its way. Since its inception, the festival has remained faithful to the cause of the independent filmmaker that breed of artisan who works alone, away from Hollywood and its money men. But each year, the festival seems to take on a new look. Two years ago it moved to Park City in search of an intimate atmosphere where filmmaker and filmgoer, as well as independents and members of the industry mainstream, could where meet on equal footing meaningful exchanges could take place. That first year in Park City, the festival became a victim of its own success, as the small theaters quick-ls sold out and flocks of v who had traveled up Parleys Can- -' jyon from Salt Lake City were turned away. Bigger and Better i Last years festival promised to be bigger and better than ever, with the video half of the event getting a larger share of the attention. The festival grew -- to'' accomodate the , crowds, spreading to four areas in j.Park City to house events. V While the festival last year was bigger, many would argue it wasnt better. The ititimaWh.atmosphere - .had evaporated. There was so much happening, it was virtually1 impossi-bl- e to get a feeling for the dvqnt. ' ' Tfils bigger festival wtuSteo a more expensive festival, knd ttyi l(t day event ended in red ink We felt it was a wagon all iadiHer-en- t pulled by four horses directions, says Lory Smith, 'coordinator of the festivals fihfn v'" competitions. Resources and Structure The festival grew a lot faster than the resources and structure to support it, agrees festival director Susan Barrell. We were trying to serve too many masters. Some harsh winter weather the week of the festival didnt help the cause of luring film-goeup the mountain. y Barrell and Smith are whats left of a staff of full and festival workers. In ad ef. part-tim- e fort to reduce costs "by farming out responsiblitity, they have solicited help from the Utah Media Center, which will handle the video half of the festival; the Sundance Institute, which is coordinating the film and seminars, and the Film Development 01 f ice. which is in charge of public relations This year's festival, which begins Monday and continues through Jan 23. will mark an attempt by Barrell and Smith to recapture the intimate ambiance of two years ago, and to move ahead in clarifying the festival's focus at the same time. Prestige Events There will be the prestige events that are important drawing cards to such a festival: Utah premieres of such talked-abou- t films as Sophie s Choice," starring Meryl Streep as the tragic survivor of Auschwitz; video-makin- ' y film-goer- 1958-67.- rs OOMffiO Frances." another tragic film about the life and times of film star Frances Farmer, starring Jessica Lange; and "The Escape Artist." Caleb Deschanel's first directorial effort. Deschanel first made a name for himself with his stunning cinematography in "The Black Stallion." There will be a look back at an important era of independent through a retrospective en" titled American New Wave Curated by Media Study. Buffalo, N.Y., and the Walker Art Center. Minneapolis, Minn., the series studies the aesthetics, style and social commentary of such films as "Shadows," the first feature film directed by John Cassavetes, and "Pull My Daisy. written and narrated by Jack Kerouac. The series svill tour the country after its premiere at the Park City festival. Other titles of the series include "The Savage Eye," The Queen of Sheba Meets the Atom Man, "Nothing But A Man," "The Cool World," "Babo 73, "Hold Me while I'm Naked," "Hallelujah the Hills," "Come Back. Africa." "The Brig." "David Holzman's Diary" and "Portrait of Jason." Medallion Changed There will be no John Ford Medallion this year, but rather a Medallion Award. The change, says Barrell, is to broaden the perimeters of recipient eligibility for the award and, again, to move the focus away from Hollywood and toward the independent filmmaker. This years award will be given posthumously to Verna Fields, a Universal Studios executive who died last November in Los Angeles, Mrs. Fields, long a friend of the fes- tival, began her career in the movie business as an assistant in German director Fritz Langs editing room. She later edited Peter Bogdanovich's "Paper Moon. "Whats Up Doc?" and Daisy Miller;" George See Page E-Column film-makin- ; nine-memb- er g Utah t 1 JANUARY RGHANDIS PROTECT DECORATE INSULATE GRANDFATHER CLOCKS BY: HOWARD MlllfcR COLONIAL 127 EL DORADO 8 m BIRD OF PARADISE 24 TREND GEORGIAN OAK bs Over 30 to Choose From. 71 styles of ornamental Iron Security Storm Doors to choose from SALE PRICED FROM WE SPECIALIZE IN DOUBLE STORM DOORS & ODD . SIZE DOORS $ VISIT OUR SHOWROOM ' 15 DIFFERENT DESIGNS ON DISPLAY 299 lOO AND UP All Grandfather Clocks must be sold to make room. Our 1983 Clocks and Kits arriving soon CLOCK FINANCING AVAILABU Mon.-Sa- t. . 10 a.m.5 p.m. or by appointment V 1117 East 7700 So. S.l.C. Utah 84106 Let us make a door for you! PHONE 486-434- 8 SALES I 1 CENTER ! 212 EAST 600 SOUTH SERVICE PARTS 534-122- 9 JJ |