Park City The 2008 Sundance Film Festival officially opened today with a press conference featuring Robert Redford, founder of the Sundance institute and Geoffrey Gilmore, the festivals director. The press conference precedes the festivals opening night film, "In Bruges," before launching into its full schedule on Friday in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden and Sundance.
"As from the beginning, the Sundance Film Festival is about discovery of new talent and of issues that are resonating with filmmakers and artists alike," Redford said. "This year filmmakers and putting a personal focus on issues relating to the world we live in rather than addressing them on a macro-political level."
The 2008 edition of the festival will showcase 125 feature films selected from 3,624 submissions from 34 countries.
"We can never predict what will capture the collective consciousness of filmgoers," said Gilmore. "However, the range of diverse voices this year suggests a festival at its very best: thought provoking, enticing and expansive."
"In Burges," plays at Park Citys Eccles Theater and features Ralph Fiennes, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. It tells the story of two hit men ordered to take a vacation in Bruges, Belgium.
Martin McDonagh sounded happy to be showcasing his film.
"Its a thrill to be world-premiering our movie," he said. "Since I expect that at least some of us (the films lead actors, producers and McDonagh) will have worn out our welcome by Sunday brunch. Im going snowboarding while there is still time," he said.
Other festival highlights include Fridays Salt Lake City Gala at the Rose Wagner Theater featuring the world premiere of The Great Buck Howard," and features Colin Hanks, John Malkovich and Emily Blunt. The festival ends January 27.