» O IS FOR ONLINE. In addition to ticket and other information, the Sundance Institute Web site, www.sundance.org, also hosts a free Online Film Festival, where you can see many of the competing short films.

» P IS FOR PARK CITY, the home of the festival. Although, since available parking places are in short supply, at least within walking distance of screening venues, perhaps it should be known as Park-and-Ride City.

» Q IS FOR QUIET. Yes, we know you're excited about the experience, but remember to hush during screenings —and turn off cell phones.

» R IS FOR RATINGS. The Sundance Institute and the Provo-Orem Chamber of Commerce have combined forces to produce a guide of family-friendly films in this year's festival. And one of the most talked-about festival selections this year is "This Film is Not Yet Rated," a documentary examining the MPAA's rating system. (Which is expected to get an NC-17 for some of its content.)

» S IS FOR STARS. Several big-name movie stars are expected to attend the festival and support films they appear in. Among them are Jennifer Aniston ("Friends With Money"), Robert Downey Jr. ("A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints"), Morgan Freeman ("Lucky Number Slevin"), Ashley Judd ("Come Early Morning"), Winona Ryder ("The Darwin Awards"), Sharon Stone ("Alpha Dog"), Robin Williams ("The Night Listener"), and Bruce Willis ("Alpha Dog," "Lucky Number Slevin"). And of course, festival honcho Robert Redford is expected to be there to participate in the festival he helped create. You've heard of him, right?

» T IS FOR THANKLESS JOB. The unsung heroes of the festival are the hundreds of volunteers who are there to help any lost or confused participants, and to keep events from becoming too unruly. For little or no pay . . . well, maybe some complimentary ticket vouchers . . . they have put up with abuse from moviegoers, filmmakers, studio executives and stars.

» U IS FOR UNLIKELY HITS. There's always at least one — and sometimes many more — every year. The biggest recent box-office success was that little, Utah-by-way-of-Idaho production, "Napoleon Dynamite."

» V IS FOR VARIETY. For those who get burned out by festival screenings, workshops, music and more, there are other options. There's also shopping. Oh, and skiing. As well as other winter activities.

» W IS FOR WAITING LISTS. Though the festival touts most of its screenings as being sold out, you can often get into at least some by getting on a list, and then waiting for tickets that become available.

» X IS FOR EXHAUSTING. Remember the thing about naps? You'll need them. Trust me.

» Y IS FOR YARNS. Two of which are spun in collaboration by director Wim Wenders and playwright/actor Sam Shepard. Their 1984 film "Paris, Texas" will play twice as part of the Sundance Collection, while their newest, "Don't Come Knocking," is one of the festival's premieres.

» Z IS FOR ZAGATS, the well-respected restaurant guide. Those who have one can check out several world-class restaurants in Park City and Salt Lake City during the festival. Making reservations would be wise, of course.

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E-mail: jeff@desnews.com