PARK CITY -- A drama about the "new" Vietnam dominated awards for the 1999 Sundance Film Festival Saturday evening.
"Three Seasons," a feature film from newcomer Tony Bui that weaves together three stories about his family's home country, won the festival's Grand Jury Prize in the dramatic category, the Cinematography Award (Dramatic Competition) and the much-coveted Audience Award for most popular dramatic film. The latter was voted by moviegoers during the festivals's 11-day run.The Grand Jury Prize in the documentary category went to "American Movie," director Chris Smith's look at the collaborative efforts of a small Wisconsin town to make a film.
"Genghis Blues," which chronicles blind blues guitarist Paul Pena's efforts to win a Tuvan "throat-singing" contest, won the Audience Award for most popular documentary.
In all, 28 festival films, performances and filmmaking efforts received awards or honors this year. The winners were announced Saturday during a ceremony held at the Park City Racquet Club.
The event was also broadcast live on television -- though only to subscribers of the Sundance Channel (which is available locally to satellite dish subscribers but not on cable). Filmmaker Allison Anders ("Grace of My Heart") and comedian Todd Barry hosted the broadcast, segments of which were shot at various times during the past week.
Besides Bui, another Asian-American received multiple honors. Emiko Omori received the Cinematography Award in the documentary competition for her work on two films, "Rabbit in the Moon" and "Regret to Inform."
And for the fourth year in a row, the festival gave out "Special Jury Awards," including one for an up-and-coming actor. This year's acting recipient was Steve Zahn (best known for "That Thing You Do!" and "You've Got Mail") for his performance as a chain-gang escapee who impersonates a gay pageant organizer in "Happy, Texas."
Other jury award-winners were:
Audience Award (World Cinema): "Run Lola Run"; "Train of Life (Train de Vie)."
Filmmakers Trophy (Dramatic): "Tumbleweeds."
Filmmakers Trophy (Documentary): "Sing Faster: The Stagehands' Ring Cycle."
Directing Award (Dramatic): Eric Mendelsohn, "Judy Berlin."
Directing Award (Documentary): Barbara Sonneborn, "Regret to Inform."
Freedom of Expression Award: "The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords."
Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award: Audrey Wells, "Guinevere"; Frank Whaley, "Joe the King."
Jury Prize in Latin American Cinema: "Santitos."
Jury Prize in Short Filmmaking: "More."
Special Jury Award (Documentary): "On the Ropes."
"Special Jury Award for Distinctive Vision in Filmmaking: "Treasure Island."
Special Jury Award (Short Filmmaking): "Fishbelly White."
Special Jury Award (World Cinema): "Life is to Whistle (La Vida Es Silbar)."
Honorable Mention (Short Filmmaking): "Atomic Tabasco"; "Come Unto Me: The Faces of Tyree Guyton"; "Devil Doll/Ring Pull"; "A Pack of Gifts, Now"; "Stubble Trouble."