Sundance Film Festival begins with sunny skies

SANDY COHEN

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — 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:

www.sundance.org/festival