But when it comes down to it, there are far more films made than any festival can handle, and no matter who programs it, they're going to be criticized for their choices because it's all subjective and a matter of opinion. To put more of a focus on the filmmakers and to more-smoothly handle the challenges of growth, the festival has instituted a number of changes this year. A revamped catalogue gives each film its own page, complete with a photo and short biography of the filmmaker. The competition has been moved to the beginning of week so their faces will be recognizable and lead to more exposure. Many past complaints have revolved around logistics, from crowded streets to the weather to the parking mess, prompting some to ask if the festival might be getting too big for Park City, whose own gains in popularity as a ski resort have compounded problems.
Park City is a small town with limited parking and congested streets, and when it snows, it's worse.
There are going to be some logistical problems no matter what we do. For a festival its size, however, Sundance remains an impressively well-run operation. For people who don't want to brave the Park City crowds, Salt Lake City screenings continue to be an option as do screenings at Ogden's Egyptian Theatre and at the Sundance Ski Resort. To accommodate Salt Lake City audiences and make them more a part of the festival, organizers have added more venues, doubling screenings at the Trolley Square theaters, with two films a night, including 10 premieres. The Tower Theater, which shows independent films year round and serves as the festival's Salt Lake City anchor, will offer three screenings a day.