About 1,300 lucky ones get their film shown not only to a live audience, but also to any big-time Hollywood producers who show up. If well received these movies can be purchased by the production companies and they have a chance of getting released in theaters.

Local film buff Brian Hart attended the festival for the seventh year in a row as a volunteer. He works as the assistant manager at the Egyptian Theater during the midnight shift.

"The midnight screenings show the edgier films of Sundance," he said. He cited "The Blair Witch Project," "Saw," "Hard Candy" and "Spun" as ones that premiered there in year's past.
Hart enjoys going to the festival because of the incredible experience it provides.

"This year was one of my best years ever," he said. "Not necessarily for the films, which overall were pretty good, but more for the commaraderie of my now long-time friends that I get to see there every year."

Hart also enjoys the festival because he sometimes gets to rub elbows with big shots of the film world.

"I have met many stars in my seven years, but this year was one of the best when I met Tarantino and Michael Madsen."

Hart is a producer for Allied Video Productions. He also does graphics for "Reel Film Snobs" and is involved with the Salem Film Festival.

Here is a run down on some of his favorite films for the year.

"Anvil! The Story of Anvil" This was my favorite of the festival. It is a documentary of the heavy metal band Anvil. Trust me even if you hate heavy metal, you will not be able to resist the charm and passion of this movie. I don't think I heard one bad thing about this film from anyone. As a side note Anvil is the band that inspired the movie "This is Spinal Tap."

"The Wackness" This almost made it as my favorite. This movie is set in 1994 and deals with a dope dealing kid who is graduating high school and trades pot for psychology sessions. He falls in love with his psychiatrist's daughter who is one of the hottest girls in school.

"Trouble the Water" This documentary deals with a couple who couldn't evacuate from the heart of New Orleans during hurricane Katrina. It is an awe-inspiring film about real life heroes and includes some great footage from the storm.

"Yellow Handkerchief" This road trip movie is about first time love, and self-discovery. As cliché as this movie sounds, it somehow found a way to be fresh and charming.

Some of the other movies that he really enjoyed included: "Frozen River," "Hamlet 2," "In Bruges," "The Last Word," "Henry Poole is Here," "Choke," "Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired," and "Sugar."