Diversity is king at the Sundance Film Festival — and queen, too.
For the first time, half of the films featured were made by women.
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Festival founder Robert Redford says "diversity is the point" of the independent film showcase. That's further evidenced this year by contributions from 32 countries and 51 first-time filmmakers.
Redford and lead members of his Sundance staff opened the 11-day festival Thursday with a news conference at the Egyptian Theatre in Park City, Utah, where the festival has been held since 1981.
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The festival begins in earnest Thursday night with screenings of four films. Screenings, workshops, parties and schmoozing will continue through Jan. 27.
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