Films on Polanski, cannibalism in spotlight at Sundance 2008
The tortured life of Roman Polanski and the true story of plane crash survivors forced into cannibalism will come under the spotlight at next year`s Sundance Film Festival, organisers said Wednesday.
The documentaries about Polanski and the 1972 Andes air disaster were among 121 films, including 87 world premieres, from 25 countries that will be screened at the festival in Park City, Utah, from January 17-27.
A total of 32 films will vie for honors in the documentary and dramatic competitions, Sundance organisers said.
"The creativity, urgency and passion of this year`s filmmakers are palpable, proving that independent filmmaking is alive and well not only in the US but throughout the world," Sundance director of programming John Cooper said.
In the documentary competition, director Marina Zenovich`s "Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired" will chronicle the private tragedy and scandal that led to the legendary Polish-born film-makers exile from the United States.
Polanski remains a fugitive from US authorities, having fled the United States after being charged with having sex with a 13-year-old girl after plying her with drink and drugs in 1977.
Another notable entrant in the world documentary competition is "Stranded: I`ve Come From a Plane That Crashed on the Mountains."
The film details the 1972 plane crash in the Andes which saw survivors reduced to eating the flesh of fellow passengers to survive before they were eventually rescued more than two months later.
The film features interviews with survivors for the first time.
Other films in the documentary competition include "Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr Hunter S. Thompson," which chronicles the life and times of the late writer, and "Fields of Fuel," about America`s addiction to oil.
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