'Action' time for Sundance

While forecasts are predicting freezing temperatures and heavy snow, the weather isn't scaring away one flock of star-studded tourists: the film festivalgoers.

Tonight kicks off the annual Sundance Film Festival in Park City, with 10 days of nonstop screenings, glitzy parties and industry panels, all in the name of independent film. Founded by Robert Redford, the 2006 festival will be celebrating 22 years as one of the world-renowned leaders of American and international independent cinema — and as one of Utah's cash cows.

Last year's festival generated more than $42 million; $36 million for Summit County alone. With $20 million in accommodations, $3.6 million in transportation and $11.5 million in dining expenses, Sundance is a big money-making event. And with an expected guest list of 45,000, the 2006 festival should bring in even more money from the Hollywood high rollers, big-time media, movie fans, stargazers and party crashers.

The world premiere of "Friends With Money" will start the festival with a glamorous opening night tonight at 6:30 p.m., with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Scott Cann, Joan Cusack, Catherine Keener and Francis McDormand taking to the red carpet.

"Nicole Holofcener is one of the finest independent filmmakers, and this film is perhaps her most accomplished and appealing work to date," said Geoffrey Gilmore, director of the Sundance Film Festival, about the writer and director. Holofcener was an unknown in 1996 when she premiered her feature-film debut "Walking and Talking" at the festival. But now she's one of the most talked-about directors. "With a magnificent ensemble cast, 'Friends With Money' addresses both contemporary social issues and personal lives, a characteristic of many great movies and a perfect film to open this year's festival."

With 200 films screened over 10 days in 17 venues in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden and Provo, it takes months of labor to pull it off — work Park City spokesman Myles Rademan said the city is happy to do.

"It's a lot of work, obviously, but it's something we really believe in," he said. "In a lot of ways, it's bigger than the (2002) Olympics because the publicity worldwide is wonderful. The publicity is important to us. Just getting the word out that we exist; it's a big thing for us."

And although parking and lodging are tight in the small narrow canyon town, planning for Sundance is a year-round activity.