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Show Editorial This year's U.S. Film and Video Festival has come and gone and as with any event of its magnitude there are usual criticisms that follow in the wake. Some residents are naturally going to be put out by the Festival because it draws large crowds to town that make daily routines a little more difficult. Some films don't start on time which is a minor inconvenience and there are always mix-ups and hassles at the box offices. Some residents think the festival people are rude and, of course, some festival people think the locals rude, too. A few of these negative comments evidently made it into a .California newspaper which have apparently given some members of the film industry and festival board the impression they're not really wanted in Park City. There has even been some talk of relocating the event next year. That would be terrible. . Despite any. of its shortcomings, the festival is extremely, beneficial to Park City and a valuable asset that should not be disposed of. Specifically the festival means big business to Park City. It attracts thousands of people here for the week who patronize local restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, lodges, shop and services as well as attend films. Lloyd Stevens of the Claimjumper reported the busiest night of the season last Saturday, a record that probably would not have been set had it not been for the festival. Other businesses did equally as well. - The festival also gives Park City international notoriety as cultural and artistic center as well as a first class destination resort area. That publicity can't hurt. Most importantly, the festival presents a tremendous cultural opportunity for local residents to see an impressive selection of first rate films literally right in their own back - yard. That is a rare opportunity indeed. Some of the negative comments heard locally could be silenced if more attention were paid to the film-goer. Great emphasis has been placed on workshop participants, celebrities and members of the film industry. It's foolish to forget that the ticket prices paid by average film-goers mean the difference between the festival's financial success or failure. Also, more Park City people must be involved with planning and producing the festival. Park City is an integral part of the festival and should be incorporated with its every aspect. Park City cannot be viewed as merely its location like a hotel is perceived as a convention site. Park City is a community and if our guests expect treated like guests they must treat residents as hosts. Criticism, if taken in a constructive light is a good thing. We sincerely hope the festival returns to Park City next year. -MJ |