"The range of artistic expression this year — both directorial and in performances — gives a special quality to the films presented in Premieres," he added. "The Spectrum section truly uncovers the aesthetic experimentation and complex storytelling that is at the heart of emerging independent filmmaking at this moment."

New to the festival this year is the addition of Redstone Cinemas in Kimball Junction as a screening location. Most festival events center around Park City's narrow streets, but this year, the addition of Redstone will mean more screenings, at a venue with less road traffic.

Traffic is one of the main concerns locals face, and people are encouraged to use the free bus system. Rademan asks locals to be flexible with their schedule and avoid high-traffic areas. He encourages all attendees to use the free shuttle-bus system.

Park City is no stranger to tourists, he adds. "That's how we live."

"Everyone complains about (traffic), but on the other hand, when we see snow, we say that's white gold," he said. "We run a tremendous bus system that's beefed up in a huge way during the festival."

For movie buffs who want to ditch the crowds, the festival's midnight showings are a popular alternative. Sundance has also expanded its online programming.

For the first time, a selection of short films can be purchased for $1.99 each from iTunes at itunes.com/sundance, beginning on Monday. After their premieres, those short films will be posted on the festival's Web site, sundance.org/watch.

Free podcasts, panel discussions and filmmaker interviews can also be downloaded from iTunes and the festival's Web site. The Sundance site also features streaming "Meet the Artists" interviews and content from the streets of Park City.

Also this year, the Sundance Channel on the cable network will begin "Festival Dailies" at 10 p.m. from Friday through Jan. 28. Following the program, Sundance Channel will air a narrative or documentary feature and a short film from a past festival. Sundance Channel will feature daily updates online, including blog posts, video clips, photos and other material from past festivals.

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E-mail: astowell@desnews.com