The big-money acquisitions era officially begins when “The Spitfire Grill,” a tearjerker funded by a Catholic nonprofit, is picked up in Park City by Castle Rock for $10 million. Miramax topper Harvey Weinstein tussles with Fine Line brass over “Shine.” Fine Line prevails and nabs seven Oscar nominations for the picture in 1997. 1999 In […]

“Clerks,” a slacker comedy that 23-year-old Kevin Smith makes for $27,000, draws rave reviews at its Sundance premiere, gets picked up by Miramax, and earns $3.1 million at the U.S. box office. 1996 The big-money acquisitions era officially begins when “The Spitfire Grill,” a tearjerker funded by a Catholic nonprofit, is picked up in Park […]

The fest officially changes name to the Sundance Film Festival. Geoff Gilmore takes the programming reins. “Poison,” first-time director Todd Haynes’ controversial, experimental narrative, wins the festival’s Grand Jury Prize. 1994 “Clerks,” a slacker comedy that 23-year-old Kevin Smith makes for $27,000, draws rave reviews at its Sundance premiere, gets picked up by Miramax, and […]

Steven Soderbergh’s “sex, lies and videotape” makes its world premiere at Park City, then goes on to win the Palme d’Or at Cannes and earn $25 million domestically for a relatively unknown New York-based distribution company named Miramax. 1991 Fest officially changes name to the Sundance Film Festival. Geoff Gilmore takes the programming reins. “Poison,” […]

1986 17 January – 26 January Smooth Talk – (Grand Jury Prize) 1987 16 January – 25 January The Trouble with Dick Waiting for the Moon 1988 15 January – 24 January Heat and Sunlight – (Grand Jury Prize) The Brave Little Toaster 1989 20 January – 29 January Sex, Lies, and Videotape True Love […]