Sundance Winds Down... Two More Days

January 26, 2008 / by southsidefilm

So after this morning's fun and excitement in Park City I found myself back at the apartment, where I planned to play "catch-up" (not ketchup). I had e-mails to read and respond to, calls to make, and hopes of catching a quick nap... a true "afternoon delight" after a few late nights and a need for recharging. The journey down through the sun-filled canyon was picturesque, relaxing, and at the same rejuvenating. I've come to know and love this part of our country, especially after 5 trips out here in the past four years. It really feels liek a second home. It certainly doesn't hurt that I've come to make friends out here, most through my friend Mel Halbach. It's no small coincidence that Mel and I first met through SouthSide Film Festival. Mel and his associate, Claytono Farr, bring their FilmTreks' Documentary Filmmaking Workshop to SouthSide each year. And during my visits to Sundance, Mel and Deb have opened their home (and this year Mel's studio) to me during my stays at Sundance. There is certainly something comforting about coming home to a house every night as opposed to some dank, dreary hotel room. We celebrate evenings with meals and social activity, and they've even joined me on numerous occasions for Sundance screenings. Tonight would be no different.


So I did my blogging, answered unread e-mails, and made a few calls, Eventually found my way downtown near the U of U, where I discovered a favorite college spot: The Pie Pizzeria. The pizza was good, but it certainly wasn't New York/East Coast fare. Delicious none the less, and I was happy to immerse myself into more of the local flavor that makes Salt Lake so special. I ate half of my pie, threw the rest in a take-out box, and headed back to the studio/apartment for a little nap. Though the nap felt good, more would've done me better. Soon though, it was time for tonight's activities: another film screening in Salt Lake. Mel originally had planned to join me, but because of business meetings, Deb joined me instead. Tonight's film was again at the Broadwway multiplex: "King of Ping Pong", a film I was drawn to as it would fit well into this year's SouthSide Film Festival, where we are highlighting films from and about Scandanavia and the Northern Isles. "King.." was a film shot in Sweden, and would fit into this niche at SouthSide.

We arrived at the theater and were soon shuffled to our seats. Jens Jonsson's "King of Ping Pong" tells the story of teenaged Rille, an outcast among his classmates because of his size and his interests. There is one thing at which he seems to excel: ping pong. He uses his skills to teach other children and share his passion for the sport. Growing up in a dysfunctional family, Rille and his brother Erik struggle with their situation at home. Their mother's a beautician and their father's an alouf ex-diver with enough testosterone and machismo to go around. With little influence on his sons' life, he makes numerous failed attempts at building a bond with his boys. It's not until family dirt surfaces that Rille is forced to re-examine his life and his direction. The film revealed a dimly-lit, cold Sweden, frozen over and lacking opportunity. The camera work was successful in its portrayal of this seemingly hopeless frozen World. Would Rille be able to bond with his father, will the family be able to overcome the latest hurdle in their lives? I can't tell you that, because that would simply spoil things for you. I can tell you that the film is filled with wonderful performances by its actors, directed to near perfection by Mr Jonsson, with wonderfully raw performances by Ann Sofie Numi (Rille's mother) and Jerry Johansson (Rille). A Swedish language film with subtitles, the film was moving and rather deep in its message of despair and hope.

The day had ended and we headed back home. With no early films or Wait List planned, I anticipated a full-night's sleep. More tomorrow.

In the meantime... butter up the popcorn, turn down the lights, and crank up that projector. The show's about to begin anew, another day and more films to screen. Good night to one and all.

2 comments on Sundance Winds Down... Two More Days

  • MentalHealthRN said 5 months ago
    I know exactly where you are! We go to Park City every spring break to ski. One of my favorite books is " The Dogs of Park City".... There are some great places to eat and a wonderful steak house not far from you.... darn... I can't remember the name. Will let you know.
  • southsidefilm said 5 months ago
    Thanks for the note. I am presently staying at the foot of Emigration Canyon, .6 miles from Ruth's Diner, a fantastic little treasure just outside Salt Lake, serving the best buttermilk biscuits in the West. All their food is fresh, substantial in serving, and served by friendly wait staff. Not a bad meal to be had there. Next time you're in town, find it, you'll thank me. Just travel out of SLC on 800 Southpast the U of U (which becomes Emigration Canyon Rd). Cheers...

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