The spirit of the Sundance Film Festival continues to thrive in Park City, Utah, as the Summit County Library hosts a special screening of Eagle Pennell’s 1978 film, "The Whole Shootin’ Match." This screening is part of the library's "Lost Gems of Sundance" series, a free film initiative that celebrates lesser-known yet impactful films that have shaped the festival's history. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday at the Kimball Junction Branch, located at 1885 W. Ute Blvd. As the Sundance Film Festival concluded its 45-year run in Park City just days ago, the screening of "The Whole Shootin’ Match" serves as a poignant reminder of the festival’s roots. Not only is this film a significant piece of cinema, but it also played a crucial role in inspiring Robert Redford to envision what would eventually become the Sundance Film Festival. According to Rick Brough, a former KPCW reporter who has closely followed the festival since its inception, Redford first encountered the film during the inaugural Utah/U.S. Film Festival, which was the precursor to Sundance. Brough recalls the festival's early days, saying, "The vast majority of the films were classic films, focusing on themes of the West and the South, with a small selection of independent films." This unique blend of programming helped cultivate an environment ripe for innovation and artistic expression, leading Redford to ponder the creation of a dedicated platform for independent filmmakers. Filmmaker Richard Linklater echoed this sentiment during a recent event, stating, "Bob saw movies like Eagle Pennell’s 'The Whole Shootin’ Match' and realized there were countless unheard voices across the country, each with their own stories to tell. He envisioned a space where these voices could come together." "The Whole Shootin’ Match" tells the story of two friends, Frank and Lloyd, portrayed by Sonny Karl Davis and Lou Perringman, respectively. The film captures their lives as they navigate the ups and downs of their ambitions to strike it rich. Brough describes the plot as centered around their dream of inventing a revolutionary product—a combination vacuum cleaner and floor polisher. He humorously notes, "While such a product might seem commonplace today, at the time it was a far-fetched idea. They genuinely believed they had struck gold, only for things to take a turn for the worse." The film is characterized by its episodic narrative style, providing a blend of drama and comedy that highlights the struggles and aspirations of its characters. Brough adds, "It’s quintessentially regional, depicting the lives of these men in Texas, engaging in activities like drinking and grappling with their moral dilemmas as they listen to a preacher on the radio urging them to reevaluate their choices." An amusing nod to Robert Redford appears in the film, further intertwining the legacy of the Sundance founder with the narrative. Brough recalls a scene at a drive-in where a playful reference to Redford is made, noting, "I can only imagine the look on Redford’s face when he first saw that scene." Brough has personal memories tied to the film’s initial screening during the 1978 festival in Salt Lake City, where he witnessed a celebration of cinematic history. He recounts, "They announced an award for John Wayne, who did not attend, but Harry Carey Jr. was there. I remember watching Eagle approach Harry and ask him questions about John Ford’s filmmaking techniques. It was a meaningful moment that captured the festival’s essence, bridging the past and future of cinema." Pennell later returned to Park City for the Sundance Film Festival, showcasing his ability to resonate with both the festival's early essence and its evolving nature. Brough recounts Pennell's second film, "Last Night of the Alamo," which focused on the community's reactions to the closing of a bar significant to the local culture. This film, like "The Whole Shootin’ Match," reflects regional storytelling that resonates with audiences. With the aim of celebrating both the film and the festival's legacy, Brough, alongside library assistant Destiny Grose, launched the "Lost Gems of Sundance" series last year. The screening of "The Whole Shootin’ Match" was a deliberate choice, allowing audiences to connect with the film that helped sow the seeds for Sundance’s inception. He adds, "Considering that Sundance is transitioning to Colorado, it felt important to highlight this film as a way to honor its legacy." The screening is made possible through the cooperation of Watchmaker Films in England, which holds the distribution rights to the film. Brough expressed gratitude for their willingness to permit the free showing, emphasizing the importance of this event as a farewell to the festival's long-standing presence in Utah. For those interested in attending this significant cinematic event, the details are as follows: - **When:** 6 p.m. Friday - **Where:** The Summit County Library Kimball Junction Branch, 1885 W. Ute Blvd. - **Cost:** Free - **Web:** summit.events.mylibrary.digital As the Sundance Film Festival moves into a new chapter, the screening of "The Whole Shootin’ Match" serves as a heartfelt tribute to the festival's origins and a celebration of the independent voices that continue to shape the landscape of American cinema.