Scripts and Maps Cover Sundance Benefit

Guests studied maps of the film center and its home state of Utah in a park-like cocktail setting, while lines from Sundance-backed projects appeared in multiple forms in the dinner space.

November 8, 2006

Entering Metropolitan Pavilion for the Sundance Institute’s 25th anniversary celebration was a bit like entering a rustic, woodsy retreat—or in this case, a humble rendition of the institute’s Park City, Utah, home. A large map of the institute’s compound accompanied a signpost with directions to the institute’s various facilities. In fact, maps, both of Sundance and its mountainous state, appeared on surfaces ranging from the signpost to deer statues and faux flowers. Tall trees dotted the cocktail space, and their leaves were—you guessed it—cut from maps.While the first area focused on the film organization’s home turf, the black-and-white dining room was a showcase for the institute’s work, with excerpts of film and theater scripts and musical scores broken up into chunks of text that covered everything from silk-screened tablecloths to votives, napkin rings, and a series of wall and stage panels.

Annie Weis, the institute’s director of development for individual giving, oversaw the event and worked with David Stark, who designed the anniversary’s creative look, with active input and ideas from gala chairwoman Glenn Close. The actress reached out to her friends in the industry—Paul Newman, Kathy Bates, and Uma Thurman, among them—who served as celebrity waiters during the cocktail hour.

—Mark Mavrigian

Posted 11.08.06

Photos: Nicole Villamora for BiZBash (decor, food), Evan Agostini/Getty Images (Thurman), Susan Montagna (sign, stage, dinner centerpiece)

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Words appeared all over tables, flowers, napkin rings, table numbers, and votives. Taken from scripts of Sundance-backed productions such as Maria Full of Grace and Hedwig and the Angry Inch, the text made for crafty references to the institute’s work. (Beer mugs replaced wine glasses on tables, with Casco Bay Brewing Company beer instead of wine, which was also available.)

Maps cut into leaf shapes dangled from trees; maps also covered the surfaces of deer statues. In lieu of a silent or live auction during the event, artist Stephen Hannock created “Utah Canyon at Dawn,” which Sundance will auction off after the gala.

Covered with maps, a signpost with directions to various sections of the Sundance property stood at the entry to the event. (Maps also covered little birds perched on the sign.)

Instead of live flowers, individual blossoms crafted from maps filled vases and dotted pots and the platforms of tree displays.

Uma Thurman was one of many celebrity servers who donned special T-shirts listing their first job on the front and their breakthrough Sundance film on the back. Marcia Gay Harden and Kathy Bates also worked the cocktail hour, passing hors d’oeuvres and drinks, including the Rocky Mountain Chai made with Chivas Regal, milk, chai tea, honey, and cardamom.

Another fun touch was a large wall posted with letters from people who have a special connection to the institute, including John Waters, John Cameron Mitchell, and Moisés Kaufman. A stand stocked with paper, pens, pencils, and pushpins allowed guests to add their own comments.

Creative Edge Parties’ first course arrived in a pizza box that listed the dinner menu on the lid and contained three types of empanadas and condiments.