Sundance Film Festival '07 — A to Z

Let's face it, the Sundance Film Festival can be a daunting experience — even for those who have had previous encounters with the independent-cinema phenomenon.

And newcomers to the festival can find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people, movies and just plain chaos that Hollywood and the rest of the world bring to Utah during its 11-day run.

But don't panic. There are helpful volunteers trained to aid the confused. And here is an A-to-Z guide featuring a few hints to help you navigate — and survive — Sundance 07.

A IS FOR ALTERNATIVE FESTIVALS. As usual, Sundance has competition from the concurrent Slamdance Film Festival, as well as the extreme-sports event X Dance, and TromaDance, an event organized by the makers of the "Toxic Avenger" and other exploitation movies.

B IS FOR BUSES. Given the limited parking in Park City, you'll need to use public transportation to get from screening venue to screening venue. Plus, you never know who you'll see on one of the festival shuttles.

C IS FOR CELLULAR PHONES, an accessory everyone has to have ... and that no one seems to know how to shut off. (The sound of cell phones going off in Sundance screenings is a continual, unfortunate occurrence.)

D IS FOR "DARK MATTER," a fact-based drama starring Meryl Streep and Aidan Quinn that was filmed at Utah Valley State College and in Federal Heights.

E IS FOR EATERIES, or diners and restaurants. According to the Zagats guide, there are several world-class spots in Park City and Salt Lake City, conveniently located near festival screening locations.

F IS FOR THE FANNING SISTERS, Dakota and Elle. Each young actress has a film at Sundance this year: Dakota is the star of the blues-music drama "Hounddog"; Elle co-stars in the existential comedy "The Nines."

G IS FOR CRISPIN HELLION GLOVER (he really is billed that way), the oddball actor who occasionally makes Utah his home. He's bringing his new movie "It is fine! EVERYTHING IS FINE." to the festival, which is also screening the film that gave Glover his breakthrough role more than two decades ago, "River's Edge," showing in the sidebar Sundance Collection, which are movies from festivals past.

H IS FOR HISTORY, 20th-century U.S. history, that is, the subject of a panel discussion Sunday. Other panels and workshops at the festival will explore film technology, international relations and film preservation, and there's even something called "Film Church."