Utah was the 45th state to enter the United States on January 4, 1896. Utah is most famous for its Mormon history involving Brigham Young and Joseph Smith . . . the incredible Mormon Tabernacle Choir . . . and magic underwear. Utah is a panoramic view of spectacular landscapes and rock formations in places like Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. Utah boasts a total of five National Parks and six National Monuments! Utah is also home to the annual internationally known Sundance Film Festival. Sundance began in Salt Lake City in August 1978, as the Utah/US Film Festival in an effort to attract more filmmakers to Utah. It was founded by Sterling Van Wagenen (then head of Wildwood, Robert Redfords company), John Earle, and Cirina Hampton Catania (both serving on the Utah Film Commission at the time). The 1978 festival featured films such as Deliverance, A Streetcar Named Desire, Midnight Cowboy, Mean Streets, and The Sweet Smell of Success. [2] With chairperson Robert Redford, and the help of Utah Governor Scott M. Matheson, the goal of the festival was to showcase strictly American-made films, highlight the potential of independent film, and to increase visibility for filmmaking in Utah. At the time, the main focus of the event was to conduct a competition for independent American films, present a series of retrospective films and filmmaker panel discussions, and to celebrate the Frank Capra Award. The festival also highlighted the work of regional filmmakers who worked outside the Hollywood system. Here are more fascinating facts and figures from this beautiful state:
Posted on: Sun, 01 Dec 2013 13:22:57 +0000
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