Slamdance '99 - the fifth annual romp in Park City, Utah. From January 23 - 30, which features screenings, parties and other events celebrating some of the best of independent filmmaking from around the globe. From a record 1716 submissions Slamdance's programming team of over 30 (primarily Slamdance alumni) selected just over 60 features and shorts. The feature competition is limited to first-time directors who have made films which do not have U.S. distribution or sizable budgets.
Representing Ireland at the festival is 'Patterns' directed by Kirsten Sheridan, daughter of acclaimed film-maker Jim Sheridan. 'Patterns' is the story of Jimmy and Tommy who are inseparable brothers. Tommy who is older is autistic and lives in a world of patterns his mind has created. Jimmy is a visitor to this honest world and falls into the rhythm. The short film has already picked up a slew of awards at festivals in Ireland. Kirsten Sheridan won the award for most promising newcomer to the industry at last years film ball and the script she co-wrote with Audrey O'Reilly 'Honor Bright' was the winner of the prestigious Miramax script award.
In addition to the short films screening in competition, the festival is also showing a comprehensive selection of shorts as free screenings in the Filmmakers' Lounge and Special Screenings and Events. This year sees 14 features and 17 shorts chosen to compete for Sparky, the coveted brass dog. Friday January 29th is when the jury's final decision will be announced at the Awards Ceremony.
All screenings are being held at the Treasure Mountain Inn (TMI) at 255 Main Street in Park City, Utah.. The festival is utilising the two main conference rooms as the "Main Screening Room" and the "Filmmakers' Lounge." The Competition Features and Shorts, and most of the Special Screenings will be in the Screening Room (that room's got 35mm, 16mm and video projectors), and the Lounge Films (in most cases, shorts) and the Fireside Chats will be in the Filmmaker's Lounge.
Competition features this year include:-
COMPETITION FEATURES
'14 Ways to Wear Lipstick' director Daniel Pace
'Amerikan Passport' director Reed Paget
'Chi Chi Girl' director Heidi Van Lier
'Cry Havoc' director Adam Lamas
'Dill Scallion' director Jordan Brady
'Following' director Christopher Nolan
'Man of the Century' director Adam Abraham
'Mud Season' director Anthony Hall
'My Friend Paul' director Jonathan Berman
'Safe House' director Colletti
'Somewhere in the Darkness' director Paul French
'Soundman' director Steven Wadi Ho
'Three Days' directors Carter B. Smith, Kevon Ford
The Wetankawa Flash' director Boyd Hale, Wendy Hopkins
COMPETITION SHORTS
12 Stops on the Road to Nowhere
13
Albert's Thumb
Anglemaker
Billy's Balloon
Bob
The Clock
La Desconocida
Gerrard
Herd
Honey
Keys to Kingdoms
The Legacy of Victor Ferns
Patterns
Plug
Roadhead
Shortwave
1999 AWARDS
GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE
AUDIENCE FEATURE AWARD
Sponsored by Crest National
GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST SHORT
Sugar Daddy Prize: your low budget feature gets made!
AUDIENCE SHORT AWARD
Sponsored by Dr. Rawstock
DOCUMENTARY AWARD Sponsored by Crest National
ILFORD BLACK AND WHITE AWARD
Sponsored by Ilford
KODAK VISION AWARD FOR BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Sponsored by Eastman Kodak
SCREENPLAY COMPETITION AWARD
Slamdance Film Festival Cash Awards and Software prizes by In Hollywood.com
SPIRIT OF SLAMDANCE AWARD
Sponsored by Shower Productions
Best of luck to all involved.
Check out the website at www.slamdance.com
Michael McMahon 14/1/99
