Oscar-winning filmmaker Carol Dysinger’s “One Bullet” will kick off the 30th edition of Slamdance, which will run from Jan. 19-25 in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah. The festival will also take place virtually from Jan. 22-28.
In “One Bullet,” Dysinger explores her friendship with the mother of an Afghan teenager who was shot in front of his house and died of his wounds two years later. Ten years in the making, the documentary details how the experience impacted the family, telling a story about Afghanistan, America and the reality of war.
“As an artist-driven festival, Slamdance has always recognized the act of madness that a certain kind of filmmaking can be — the kind that takes a different path, a different angle of view — and this is what the world needs right now,” Dysinger said in a statement. “To have the story of my relationship with Bibi Hajji unfolding through years and years of war opening the 30th anniversary edition of Slamdance is a gift and a testament to the power of friendship. This is the story of what one bullet did to one family. Now, do the math. This is why wars never end.”
The festival will be held at The Doubletree Park City – The Yarrow, marking a return home for the festival.
“The Yarrow has always been a great space for independent filmmakers and serves as a pivotal part of Slamdance’s history as the festival’s first home in Park City, a foothold which helped launch the festival into what it is today,” Slamdance founder Peter Baxter said in a statement. “Since then, we’ve grown beyond imagination in the discovery of new and emerging talent and we’re excited to recognize and celebrate this legacy by returning to our roots at Park City’s epicenter for Slamdance ’24.”
Partnering with the University of Utah, Slamdance’s Unstoppable program will return to be showcased at both The Yarrow and the University of Utah’s Student Union Theater. Highlighting their joint commitment to accessible cinema, both locations will feature 100% accessible theaters and screenings at the university will be offered free of charge.
