Friday, January 19, 2007
Sundance 07: Main Street Dogs
Main Street Dogs
Day One of Sundance offers the one, momentary chance for empty shuttle busses; the calm before the deluge of media, film industry professionals and movie fans. It is also a chance to witness Park City ski culture before the Sundance hordes take over and make the winter resort town their own. From what I see outside the shops on historic Main Street, treating one’s dog more like a person is status quo for style conscious skiers. Just after the opening day press conference, held at the Egyptian Theatre with “Chicago 10” director Brett Morgen (pictured above), a dog follows behind his owner sporting bright red booties on his four legs. The owner’s point is that his dog shouldn’t have to suffer cold paws, or basically live like a dog. Later, exiting the New Frontier On Main exhibition area, the festival’s debut spot for film art installations and the latest filmmaking equipment, a woman approaches the front doors pushing a large stroller. I quickly step aside and open the door, impressed by the stamina of anyone capable of navigating Sundance with twins at their side. But there were no babies in the stroller; just two tiny dogs bundled up in blankets. If this woman has children, my guess is that the dogs get first dibs on the stroller.
