PARK CITY, Utah -- The Sundance Film Festival has kicked off its first film screenings, and festival goers are packing Main Street and lining up for the films.
FOX 13 News talked with all types of festival goers: first timers, returning musicians, well-known actors, and more.
On the first day of the festival, it seemed Historic Main Street was the place to be. It's where we bumped into actor Najee De-Tiege, star of the hit kids show Power Rangers as the blue ranger. He admits he's a Sundance first-timer with high expectations.
"I'm expecting a bunch of red carpets, a lot of movies, screenings, trailers, the whole nine so I'm excited,” he said.
Another hot spot was the official Sundance shop.
Kelly Mitchell from New York said, "I actually went to lunch earlier, and people told me that I should go to the store right away so that I could get the sizes that I want and get the merchandise that I want because it sells out quickly, so I prioritized coming here because of that."
Vermont resident Merrill Jarvis adds, "Today I'm buying a sweatshirt, Sundance 2014, and money is no object."
FOX 13 News caught up with the stars of 'Whiplash,' the first film to premier at the festival Thursday night.
One star of the film says, "To come up here and to be here on this night it's just... it's once in a lifetime."
The film festival is expected to have more music than ever this year. We talked with five-time Sundance musician Natalie Gelman, who said music adds to the ambience.
"A lot of people have live music throughout the day because it's, you know, what captures that spirit,” she said.
She's been so inspired she wrote a song about Sundance.
Special ticket prices and packages are available for Utah locals. Click here for more information.
The festival runs until Jan. 26. For information about the festival, including schedules and updates, visit the festival’s website.
