A Need-to-Know Basis: History of the Sundance Film Festival

I'm starting a new series of stories and articles, ones that have a particular focus and energy towards either history or information, particularly in sports and entertainment. They talk about things being talked about only in "need-to-know" bases. I have decided to take some of the important people, events, and outlets that have made these things important. These are things you need to know, and I'm gonna tell you. My first one is going to be about the Sundance Film Festival.

Intro to Sundance

For much of the year, when you think of Park City in Utah you are usually thinking about great slopes, soft snow, and luxurious spas. However, for a couple of weeks in January, the peaceful getaway that is Park City is transformed into a mecca of indy filmmakers and the world's biggest stars. The movers and shakers get away from the sun and the lights of Los Angeles, New York, and everywhere else in the United States and they head out to Utah for the Sundance Film Festival. Examine the history, from the mythological start of the festival to it's meteoric rise into the elite of the film world, and the tradition that comes along with Sundance.

It Begins With an Idea

Back in the late 70's, there were two major individual leaders who led the charge to bring the Sundance Film Festival to life. The corporate side was handled by a man who held the title of Utah Film Commissioner John Earle. On the side of the filmmakers and the artistic voices was Sterling van Wagenen, a Brigham Young University Film School graduate. They, along with a group of other people who supported the cause either financially or artistically, went forward to found the U.S. Film Festival. This group of people looked to accomplish three main tasks for the state of Utah and the film industry. They wanted to bring an artistic forum where people could watch and discuss the best of American films. Also, it was an idea meant to bring more filmmakers and studios to Utah with a national event that they could host. Finally, this group also looked to get a competition that would showcase and bring forward films that were not from the Hollywood Studio systems, or independent films.