REQUIEM

Sutherland's Slamdunk

By Steven Gaydos

Slamdunk, one of the many unofficial side events to the Sundance Fest, wrapped its third unspooling Jan. 29 in Park City with the presentation of its awards. Handed out at its all-night bash were best picture laurels to the Kiefer Sutherland-directed Holly Hunter starrer, "Woman Wanted," which also took best dramatic performance honors for Michael Moriarty. Audience kudos went to "Hairshirt," which also garnered best director and best actor honors for Dean Paras, best actress for Katie Wright, best comedic performance to Neve Campbell and "most seductive performance" to Rebecca Gayheart. Short film "Requiem" picked up best cinematography and best short plaudits, while "Kimberly" nabbed best soundtrack. Fest co-founder Keith Spiegel says this year's fest differed from previous outings because "acquisitions execs are frantically calling us about our lineup instead of us frantically calling them." The Slamdunk moniker also adorns a feature production outfit and hosts events in Cannes and Toronto. This year's Slamdunk at Sundance marked the beginning of official sponsorship from Web site IFilm and Laser-Pacific.