Sundance Film Festival Begins With Sunny Skies

Robert Redford’s Oscar snub notwithstanding, the 30th Sundance Film Festival is off to a promising start.

The 10-day showcase of independent film began Thursday in Park City, Utah, where sunny skies and a Main Street filled with film-related shops and suites welcomed festival-goers.

Redford and other Sundance leaders said the festival’s greatest success has been providing a place for independent film to be seen and celebrated. The festival has expanded its offerings over its three decades, both in the number and types of films shown.

Opening day features five screenings: Domestic and international dramas and documentaries and a collection of short films.

Screenings of this year’s 117 feature-length films continue from morning until night at 14 locations in Park City through Jan. 26.

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Online: http://www.sundance.org/festival (AP)

Sundance Film Festival to Add Children’s Movies

The Sundance Film Festival will soon become more child friendly.

Organizers announced plans Thursday to debut a program of independent films aimed at young audiences at the festival next month.

The Sundance Kids program will feature the world premiere of “Ernest and Celestine,” a film about a mouse who forms an unlikely bond with a bear, and the U.S. premiere of “Zip & Zap and the Marble Gang,” a movie about twin brothers who uncover a hidden secret at school.

Festival director John Cooper told The Salt Lake Tribune the new program is designed to give children eight and older an appreciation for independent film.

Sundance already conducts outreach programs for high school and college students.

The 2014 Sundance festival runs Jan. 16-24 with films, documentaries and shorts in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden and at the Sundance Resort. (AP)