Again we go, into that wild fiesta called Sundance

Heading into the Sundance Film Festival , which begins Thursday in Park City – I’m already nervous because there’s always so much to do, so much to see – I find myself looking back. Mainly to last May’s Seattle International Film Festival , which is the premier festival in the Northwest and one of the most popular in the whole country.

But while SIFF is a festival for movie fans, Sundance is more about business. Some of the same films play both, but Sundance is where most of the buying and selling takes place.

Below are some photographs from 2005 SIFF taken by my friend, Marshall Peterson, who splits time between the Spokane Valley and Guadalajara, Mexico, where he runs a hostel. All were taken at SIFF events.

Photo by Marshall Peterson

First: Colombian filmmaker Ciro Guerra talks to none other than Bob Glatzer, film critic for Spokane Public Radio, following a screening of Guerra’s film “La Sombra del Caminante.”

Photo by Marshall Peterson

Second: With SIFF director of programming Carl Spence at her side, Argentine director/actress Vera Fogwell handles questions following the screening of her film “Las Mantenidas sin Suenos.”

Photo by Marshall Peterson

Third: Javier Miquelez, cinematographer of Argentine filmmaker Edgardo Cozarinsky’s film “Ronda Nocturna,” poses before a familiar Seattle landmark.

Photo by Marshall Peterson

Fourth: Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder surprised everyone by showing up to sing with the kids from the documentary film “Rock School.”

OK, I’m not just nervous. Looking at Marshall’s photos is getting me psyched for Sundance. Which is a good thing because I’ll be in the air less than 24 hours from now.