Hank Rogerson and Jilann Spitzmiller’s SHAKESPEARE BEHIND BARS was one of 16 films chosen—out of 624 entries—for the 2005 Sundance Film Festival Documentary Competition. This marks the first time that the filmmaking duo has had a film in the festival. The screenings, the parties, the press, the exhilaration, and the exhaustion—it’s all part of the “Sundance experience.”

Diary Entry
January 23, 2005 | Day 4

Went into Salt Lake City today for our screening there. After it finished, they gave us a standing ovation. That was cool. Hank got teary. The Q&A was interesting as some in the crowd got emotional and opinionated about the prison system – three strikes laws, privatization of prisons, inmates being allowed to touch each other, and work on violent plays, etc. It’s always good to have people get worked up after a screening – as long as no one gets hurt.

Then back up to Park City for an interview with Premiere magazine. Wow. How many times have we read about other artists in that mag?! And now us. It was amusing (absurd?) getting into the Premiere Lounge off Main Street. They have created an oasis fit for celebrity glitz in the middle of town. Ice sculptures, swanky party tents and a bar that’s always open. At least 6 bouncers blocking the different entrances with a “who are you?” look on their bodies. There was definitely a certain electricity in the air there. Lights and cameras, music and attitude. We had a fun interview, and felt like we were on the inside – way inside. Our interviewer invited us to their party tonight, with musical guest Snoop Dog. Don’t know if we’ll make it, but just getting the invite was fun.

Then we headed out onto Main Street – the greatest zoo on earth. Wall to wall on the sidewalk, babes, dudes, stars, and today lots of very large dogs – Great Danes, Newfoundlands, greyhounds. The only thing missing was Christopher Guest and his camera.

Had all these afternoon parties to go to, but went back to the condo instead, because the Patriots were playing. (OK, just lost all readers from Steel Town.) And we all cooked a meal, and then our friend Starr took out her guitar, and we all danced with our 22 month old daughter, Isabel. Forget the parties, forget the festival, let’s spend some time with her!

Until our next screening at 11:30 pm tonight…

– Hank and Jilann

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