Sundance 2011 Wrap-up
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The 2011 Sundance Film Festival has come and gone, and just like every year there is a lot to look back on. Thank goodness the snowfall during the 10 day festival was minimal this year since Historic Park City is inundated with crowds and is the backdrop for all sorts of mayhem.
This year Main Street saw an increase in gifting houses taking over existing business space. From the PlayStation Green Room at the Retreat at Silver, the House of SWAGG and the Kenneth Cole Lounge, celebrities were able to look, and take home, products from designers and companies aka "swag".
Music was at the heart of the 2011 festival and Main Street was fortunate to host some of the best venues. ASCAP Music Cafe, Sidecar, Downstairs, Park City House of Blues, and Harry O's all had a spectacular line-up of talent. This year also boasted a number of street performers which included pianos, accordions, guitars and choirs. A flashmob entertained bystanders in the Summit Watch Plaza, and finally, in celebration of World Hug Day (January 21) a contingent of huggers offering free hugs to the crowds. Their motto, "making a difference, one hug at a time."
Main Street is never short on celebrities, especially with the Egyptian Theatre hosting many of the feature-length films for the festival. However, it seemed all celebrity sightings were out-shined this year by one person, Oprah. Oprah hit the street with her best friend Gayle and drew a remarkable crowd as they visited the merchants and purchased art.
Sundance sponsor, Bing hosted after-parties, musical performances and much more at their Festival location in the Claimjumper Hotel. Did you miss Honda's Power of Dream Experience (also a Sundance sponsor)? Don't worry a video showing a portion of the show with ASIMO™, the world’s most advanced humanoid robot is available to watch.
Hopefully, you have gotten a taste of what Historic Park City is like during the Sundance Film Festival. If you were here in 2011, this was just a short wrap-up. But if you are one that did not make it, hopefully you are planning a trip for 2012. See you here!