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PARK CITY -- The subject of a Sundance film, announced last minute, is getting publicity in an unusual way. Graffiti art is popping up all over Park City and attracting big crowds.
Sundance organizers promised a renewed focus on films this season, and one filmmaker is taking care of that himself. But how do you promote your film when no one even knows your real name?
His graffiti works are all over the world. The man behind them is known as "Banksy," an anonymous artist who tackles politics, culture and war with his work.
Now, it seems, he's come to Utah.
"I've been waiting a really long time to see a true original. This doesn't happen very often you know. We took an adventure out here just to see this," says Banksy fan Bruno Silva.
This week, graffiti art started showing up around Park City, including some on the wall of the Java Cow at 402 Main St. Employees of Java Cow weren't sure what it was at first, but now they're well aware.
Java Cow General Manager Lucia Bisbee says, "We've had a lot of calls from London, New York, out of state, begging us to keep it."
Park City officials say the pieces on public property will be painted over, and most are already gone. Private property owners, like Java Cow, can decide what to do with theirs. Fans are hoping they decide to leave it.
The graffiti art coincides with a surprise Sundance premiere, announced the first day of the festival. "Exit Through the Gift Shop" follows a French filmmaker who documents the underground world of street art until Banksy turns the camera on him instead.
Now the question is -- will the shadowy figure in the movie trailer finally show his face?
"That would be incredible," says Silva. "That would be amazing, historic."
Whatever the outcome, it's safe to say it will be 100 percent Banksy's choice. After 16 years underground, he's nearly perfected the art of the invisible.
"Exit Through the Gift Shop" premiers Sunday night at 8:30, and the film is for sale right now.
Just to show you how elusive Banksy is -- the agent shopping the film has never met the artist.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
