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Carole Mikita reportingFriday night, Salt Lake had its opportunity to roll out the red carpet for the Sundance Film Festival.
Not only was this a night for Salt Lakers to put their support behind this event, it was also an opportunity for the festival to kick off a new international competition.
Tonight's opener is from the United Kingdom. 'On A Clear Day' is about a 55-year-old shipyard worker from Glasgow, Scotland, who lost his job. So, he decides to swim the English Channel.
At a VIP reception, one of the cast members garnered a lot of attention. That's Billy Boyd, of "Lord of the Rings" fame. He's part of the cast here.
Billy Boyd/ "On A Clear Day" "To be here and to be here with a film and a film that I'm proud of. It's a great feeling. I think Sundance is one of the greatest festivals, and to have this kind of vibe and buzz about independent movies is very, very important."
Brenda Blethyn/ "On A Clear Day": "I'ts a great honor for us to be here. It's a wonderful thrill. It's Gaby's first film and she's absolutely over the moon about it, as we all are."
Gaby Dellal, the film's director, admits she had to beg a lot of people to finance this film, but she's here.
Gaby Dellal/ Director, "On A Clear Day": "I think it's the first time Americans have allowed world cinema to compete. So, in that way I'm absolutely thrilled to be a landmark."
Peter Mullen/ "On A Clear Day": "In Scotland, we know about the Sundance Film Festival, and it's fabulous seeing it all. It's not as cold as I thought it was going to be. Scotland's a lot colder just now."
Not only does he sound charming, he looked the part as well. Peter Mullen sporting a kilt.
There are screenings for this film here and in Park City. The festival runs through the 30th.
