Yesterday was the official start of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. I am here in Park City for the fourth year covering the festival for the WIP. Every year I arrive in Park City, check into the Star Hotel, and then wish I spent the last few weeks getting organized for the festival. While I had spent countless hours reading up on films, studying the schedule, and drafting a viewing schedule, it never feels like enough.

After I received my press credentials, I got up close and personal with movie guide and schedule. I requested tickets to two public screenings – Miranda July’s The Future and Morgan Spurlock’s The Greatest Movie Ever Sold – and then made my way back to Main Street for the annual press conference at the Egyptian Theater. Robert Redford was there with Sundance Institute Executive Director Keri Putnam and Sundance Film Festival Director John Cooper to discuss this year’s festival and the other work being done by the Institute. Sundance received over 10,000 submissions to this year’s festival, and Redford declared, “I love all the films at this festival!” During the Q&A there was an awkward moment when an audience member asked Redford if he had any plans to retire. Redford, whose hair never disappoints, responded “I am going to die, but I haven’t thought about retiring.”

Post-press conference, my wait in the waitlist line was not successful as I did not get into the Harry Belafonte bio documentary Sing Your Song. And Harry Belafonte was at the premiere! Fortunately, my disappointment was abated by the Day One Party at the Legacy Lodge.