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Show i,:;'U 'i.' .;. A v i i 4 i i ; 41 ::jQ:; Ileell WirM tL t j by Uiek Brouh Good news, bad news from the 1985 U.S Film Festival The 1985 United States Film Festival was a mixed blessing. At times, every parking space in Park ;; City seemed to be filled. But that ' was because the festival staff, under ! the direction of the Sundance -c Institute, did the best job yet of attracting crowds to the festival. Every year, I feel inadequate to judge the quality of the festival, -which comprises a vast number of ; films. But I think it's safe to say the-festival the-festival was as good, or probably better, than any other year. And that, sentiment is echoed by others who attended the festival. aJ We had an interesting variety of films; a set of premieres that were attractive, but didn't overwhelm thJ festival; the selection of an off-beat murder yarn, "Blood Simple," ai) best dramatic film; an excellent premiere of the reconstructed "Way Down East" with the audience pleasantly surprised by its quality; and a Robert Redford seminar with the star called upon to do more thahJ offer a glimpse of his handsomer mug. (I would guess Redford appreciated that as much as anyone. ) As proof of the public's interest, witness' the faint rumbling of 'discontent when the audience "favorite ''The Times of Harvey Mjlk" lost the documentary prize to ' the cinema verite film "Seventeen." ' Festival director Tony Safford , graciously tried to "take the bullet" ' for the protest by commenting it was his fault for appointing documentary - judges that were all versed in the ? f iverite' ' approach. TheForeign Showcase should be a part of next year's program, though it could be trimmed by a half or a .:H)rAf?both to emphasize the competition films and allow more '"WpyUhowings for the festival films ingeneral. And while some of the L fc0lms received very unPP' jilar reactions, many were good also. A JbfSthe perennial Salt Lake vs. Park City debate, the valley contingent might take advantage of niSie factihat crowds this year pointed lJ?u?heproblerns with small theater (fpaSirod lack of parking in Park On the other side, Salt Lake has problems with a non-intimate, more conservative atmosphere, and smog. Anu ihey have then own problems with retaining theater space. (Note that when the festival held its big opening premiere, the most appropriate appro-priate site chosen was the Centre Theater, which is due for the wrecking ball.) However, one possible compromise compro-mise was suggested by Deseret News critic Chris Hicks. He said one theater could be used in Salt Lake and wtuld only show the competition films. This might work, if the logistics (shuffling movie prints up and down the canyon) can be handled. Overall, the festival is assembling a superb staff. The coordinator for the competition film, Lory Smith, has been with the festival since Year One and is very valuable to the event. Sterling Van Waganen, executive director of the Sundance Institute, has the experience and vision needed. Safford shows promise by bringing innovation and breadth to the programs. And the Record could not have done its job without the help of Saundra Saperstein and Mary Kay Lazarus. I can hardly wait for 1986. |