Sundance Film Festival officials were hoping the event's new downtown Salt Lake City "corridor" would help bring the festival experience to the capital city and alleviate some of the congestion in Park City.

But for most of Friday the new festival zone was a far cry from the one in that hustling, bustling ski community. In fact, during the afternoon hours there were more "Welcome Sundance" signs in the windows of local business than there were pedestrians walking along the "corridor."

That five-block stretch along 300 South features two festival screening venues — the Broadway Centre Cinemas and the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center.

Still, there was a full house in the Rose Wagner for Friday's Salt Lake Opening Night Premiere of the British comedy "Kinky Boots."

That alone was an encouraging sign to festival co-director Jill Miller. "Small steps," she said. "The goal is to make this every bit as festive as our Park City, to have steady attendance numbers at our Salt Lake events."

And there was no evident disappointment of the faces of the director and stars of the film, which is based on the true story of a failing British shoe manufacturer that boosted its sagging sales by making a new line of footwear for drag performers.

Director Julian Jarrold was both "both terrified and excited" to see how the film would go over with local audiences.

"I've heard that parts of the community are pretty conservative, and at least one of our characters is a bit wild," he said, referring to Lola, the film's cross-dressing cabaret performer, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor.

But, he quickly added, "I hear that they do love a good feel-good story, so I'm hoping that's the case."

Festival programming director John Cooper, who introduced the film, was more optimistic. "I know you're going to enjoy this film," he told the audience.

Cooper also thanked local and state officials, some of whom were in attendance, such as Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.

Miller said she was grateful for the support of those officials as well, adding that she believes the Salt Lake events will get more crowded as the festival continues its run there this year. "I'm confident we'll meet all our goals."

Local businesses are hoping so as well. A waitress at the nearby Squatters Pub, who asked to be identified only as Camelia, said that "would be good for our business. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed."

The 2006 Sundance Film Festival continues through Jan. 29, with screenings of movies in its independent film showcase and competitions, as well as series panel discussions, a music cafe and its annual awards ceremony.

One of this weekend's hottest tickets is expected to be the premiere of the cigarette lobby satire "Thank You For Smoking" tonight at Park City's Eccles Center. (That film stars BYU graduate Aaron Eckhart and Katie Holmes, also known as the soon-to-be Mrs. Tom Cruise.)

Other big-name events include a premiere screening of the thriller "Alpha Dog," which stars Bruce Willis, Sharon Stone and Justin Timberlake, on Friday in Park City.

A full rundown of films playing at the festival can be found in the official film guide or online at the Sundance Institute site, www.sundance.org.

For general information on the festival, call 435-940-8900. For ticket prices and availability, call the main festival box office, 801-326-2000.

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E-mail: jeff@desnews.com